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.C^L^ ^^C^-^-L^ 




MEMOIRS 



OF 



SAMUEL M. JANNEY 

Late of Lincoln, Loudoun County, Va. 
A Minister in the Religious Society of Friends, 

(WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.) 



• Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth J 
Yea, -ith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and the* works do 
follow them."— Rev. 14: *3- 



4 No..3.o.9.At..>x 

PHILADELPHIA: 
FRIENDS' BOOK ASSOCIATION. 

1881. 



T 




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by 
CORNELIA JANNEY, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. 



PREFACE. 



The memoir of my dear father was begun, as he tells us, with 
the view of leaving it as a legacy to his children, but in his latter 
years, he was willing that the experience of his long and eventful 
life, should be used in any way to promote the "Cause of Truth." 

A few judicious friends have carefully read the manuscript left 

by him, and they encourage me in the belief that the instructive 

matter it contains is worthy of publication, and will be valued, 

especially by those who knew and loved him. 

C.J. 

Lincoln , Loudoun Co., Va., jd Mo* ist, i88i< 



<^ 6 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth and parentage — Some account of his ancestors — Death of his 
mother — Early religious impressions — Reading the Scriptures — Re- 
moval to Fairfax — Goes into his uncle's counting-house in Alexan- 
dria — Self-improvement — Reflections upon the Classics. Page I. 



CHAPTER II. 

Edward Stabler and Dr. Dick — Teaches in a Presbyterian Sabbath- 
school — Establishes with others a First-day school for colored peo- 
ple — Religious exercises. 1820. Page 9. 



CHAPTER III. 

Attends a Methodist class-meeting with William Lamphier — Reflec- 
tions thereon — Receives a prize for his poem " The Country School- 
House" — Correspondence with George P. Morris — Becomes a con- 
tributor to the New York Mirror — Religious controversy in the So- 
ciety of Friends — A sermon by Margaret Judge — Death of Rachel 
Ellicott — Poem on Affliction. 1824-25. Page 13. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Co-partnership with Dr. Bond — Marriage — Bridal tour — Poem upon 
Lake George — Labors for the Colored people — Formation of a 
Benevolent Society — Joins a Colonization Society — Petition to Con- 
gress for the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia — 
Illness and visit to the Red Sulphur Springs — Poem. 1825 to 1829. 

Page 25. 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

Again visits Red Sulphur Springs — His health much improved — Re- 
moval to Occoquan — Visit from Daniel Quinby — He accompanies 
him as far as Richmond and Petersburg — Death of a little daughter 
— Publishes a letter on Christian doctrine — His first appearance in 
the ministry — Reflections upon the ministry — Indulged meeting 
granted at Occoquan — Writes "Conversations on Religious Sub- 
jects " — Joins George Truman in a religious visit to the meetings of 
Fairfax Quarter — Goes as companion for George Truman to visit the 
families of Friends of Baltimore — Visits Dunning' s Creek with a 
Yearly Meeting committee — Attends New York Yearly Meeting. 
i829-'35. Page 37. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Publishes a volume of Poems — Business at Occoquan proves un- 
successful — Removes to Loudoun Co., Va., where he opens a 
Boarding School. 1839. Page 49. 



CHAPTER VI L 

He travels in some of the counties of Virginia, on a religious visit — 
Death of his father. 1841-42. Page 52. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Visits some meetings within the limits of Indiana Yearly meeting — 
Endeavors to heal dissensions there —Writes an Epistle to Friends 
in the State of Ohio. 1844. Page 58. 



CHAPTER IX. 

He writes a series of articles upon Slavery — Letters to George Truman 
and Issac T. Hopper — Letter to his uncle, Phineas Janney — Attends 
the Quarterly Meeting at Red Stone, in Pennsylvania — Enters into 
a canvass for free schools in Virginia — Goes to Richmond as dele- 
gate to an Educational Convention — Letter to a Slaveholder. 
i&14-'46. Page 86. 



CONTENTS. Vll 

CHAPTER X. 

Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting — Answer to Wm. A. Smith's Defence 
of Slavery — The Grand Jury indicts him for it — He defends him- 
self and is cleared. 1849-50. Page 96. 



CHAPTER XI. 

S. S. Randall suggests his writing the Life of Penn — Two letters 

from him on the subject — Engaged in the work — Visits his friend 

■ S. S. Randall, who assists him in revisir^ his book. i850-'5l. 

Page 106. 



CHAPTER XII. 

He obtains a minute to attend Philadelphia, New York and Genesee 
Yearly Meetings, with some of the meetings composing them — Some 
account of his religious exercises while on this journey — Proposi- 
tion brought to Yearly Meeting for an equitable division of prop- 
erty held by our branch of the Society — Not then carried, but 
adopted in 1864 — Hopes entertained of a more cordial feeling be- 
tween the two branches — Accepts an invitation to visit Thomas 
Evans of Philadelphia, who expressed himself satisfied with the 
Life of Penn — At his request adds some doctrinal matter in the next 
edition — Letters to Caleb Carmalt — Letters to S. S. Randall and 
Jane Johnson on the Life of Geo. Fox. • 1 85 1. Page in. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and some 
Meetings belonging to them — Interviews with Richard Mott and 
Stephen Grellet — Letter to Dillwyn Parrish. 1854. Page 130. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Receives a minute to attend Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meetings, and 
to appoint and attend some meetings within their limits — Is taken 
with a hemorrhage from the lungs in Illinois — Attends meetings in 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

much weakness — Reflections upon the state of the Society of Friends 
in the West — Salutations from London Yearly meeting read at the 
Representative Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting — A reply 
to it by him and some others — Some account of the life and death of 
his son John. 1857. Page 153. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Visit to Warrington and other Meetings belonging to that Quarter- 
Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and some 
Meetings composing them — Journey to Eastern Shore of Maryland. 
1859-60. Page 172. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Goes to Philadelphia to attend to the publication of History of Friends 
— Civil war begins — County occupied with Southern troops — Battle 
of Ball's Bluff — Goes through the lines to attend Baltimore Yearly 
Meeting— Is arrested when he returns — Interview with General Evans 
— After four days' detention is released — Occupation of Waterford 
Meeting House by Southern troops — Attends Quarterly Meeting at 
Sandy Spring and other meetings — Tribute to Miriam Gover — Goes 
with a committee to visit some of the subordinate meetings of Balti- 
more Yearly Meeting — Death of a sister — Visit to Philadelphia and 
New York Yearly Meetings — Passage from Extracts of Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting — Engaged in writing third and fourth volumes of 
History of Friends. 1861-63. P a £ e 1 ^» 



CHAPTER XVII. 

With a committee, visits Friends in Iowa who have applied for the 
privilege of holding a Quarterly Meeting. 1864. Page 209. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Citizens of Loudoun arrested by Union troops — Goes to Washington 
to procure their release — Interview with General Sheridan and 
other military commanders— Part of the prisoners liberated on pa- 



CONTENTS. IX 

role, others kept as hostages for exchange — Attends Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting — Again lays before the meeting his concern that 
an equitable share of the property shall be offered the Orthodox 
Friends, which was united with — An extract from the minutes of 
the meeting— Goes to Philadelphia— A serious accident on the 
train— General Sheridan's raid in Loudoun — Much distress there — 
Help solicited from the North, which is cheerfully given — Closing 
of the war— Death of President Lincoln. 1864-' 65. Page 218. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

With a Minute of Concurrence, with his brother, Asa M. Janney, as 
companion, attends the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New 
York and Genesee, and some of the Meetings composing them. 
1868. Page 236. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Reflections upon his sixty-ninth birth-day — Meets the Committee on 
Indian Concerns, in Baltimore — A proposition before them from 
General Grant, that they should take charge of some of the West- 
ern Indians — They accept the charge — Part of the Indian commit- 
tee wait on the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of In- 
dian Affairs — Meets the Indian committee in Baltimore, where his 
name is proposed for Superintendent of Indian Affairs — Accepts the 
appointment — Makes preparations for a long absence from home. 
1869. Page 249. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Arrives in Omaha — Names of Agents — Meets with a cordial welcome 
— Holds a Public Meeting — Visits the Winnebago and Omaha 
Agencies — The hardships the Winnebagoes had met with from the 
Government — Writes a petition to the Government for the reim- 
bursement of a large sum of money — Congress refunds it — The first 
Council — The allotment of land in severalty discussed and agreed 
to — Addresses them on Religion and Morality — Goes to the Omaha 
Agency, where the same subjects are discussed in Council with the 
Chiefs. i869- , 7i. Page 254. 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Some account of the Pawnee Tribe — They are suspected of the mur- 
der of a white .man — The Superintendent holds a council with the 
chiefs on the subject — Four Indians are delivered up and taken to 
Omaha — Their trial— After twenty-two months' imprisonment they 
are admitted to bail — The chiefs and Superintendent and Agent 
become responsible for them — Superintendent visits some of the 
Agencies with a deputation of Friends — Congress appropriates 
$30,000 for Indian civilization — Letter to a convention of Friends 
held in Philadelphia — Letter to Benjamin Hailowell — Letter to 
Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 1870. Page 264. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Letter to a Joint Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs — Resigns 
his position — Letter from W. H. Macy relating to it — Barclay 
White is appointed as his successor — He is taken sick with inter- 
mittent fever— Returns to his home in Virginia. 187 1. Page 281. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting with James M. Walker as companion — 

•They visit some meetings belonging to it — Attends Indiana Yearly 

Meeting. 1873. Page 288. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

1875-80. 

Goes as one of a committee to attend the opening of Illinois Yearly 
Meeting— Fiftieth anniversary of his marriage — Verses by T. M. J. 
— Attends the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and New York — 
Visits the Centennial Exposition — Attends Warrington Quarterly 
Meeting and the meetings composing it — Death of A. M. Janney — 
Reflections upon his seventy-seventh birth-day — Goes to Wash- 
ington on Indian affairs — Attends Philadelphia and New York 
Yearly Meetings — His closing record — Attends Waterford Quar- 
terly Meeting — Attends the opening of the new meeting-house 
at Washington — Illness and death — Extracts from memorial pre- 
pared by Friends. 1874-80. Page 298. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth and parentage — Some account of his ancestors — Death of his 
mother — Early religious impressions — Reading the Scriptures — Re- 
moval to Fairfax — Goes into his uncle's counting-house in Alexan- 
dria — Self-improvement — Reflections upon the Classics. 

1801. 

It has often been to my mind a subject of serious con- 
sideration, whether it would not be right to leave behind 
me some account of my life and religious experience, for 
the benefit of survivors. 

At an early period I kept a diary, in which I wrote occa- 
sionally, as a remembrancer for my own use, and I have 
some memorandums "relating to several of my journeys in 
the gospel ministry. But I have been prevented from keep- 
ing a regular journal of my life ; partly by the apprehen- 
sion that I could write nothing on the subject worthy of 
preservation, and partly by the pressure of other engage- 
ments. 

It has, however, occurred to me, that I have experienced 
many preservations and deliverances, for which I am in- 
debted to the unmerited mercy of my Heavenly Father, 
and that some account of these, together with the most 
interesting incidents of my life, might be an acceptable 
legacy to my children. 



2 Memoirs of Samue? M. Janney. 

Being now in my fifty-seventh year, I am admonished, 
by the approach of old age, that this work, if ever done 
rightly, must be commenced soon, and prosecuted at such 
intervals of leisure as I may be able to appropriate to this 
purpose. 

I was born in Loudon county, Virginia, the nth of ist 
month, 1 80 1 ; being the eldest child of Abijah and Jane 
Janney, who were members of the religious Society of 
Friends, and much esteemed among their neighbors. They 
were good examples of integrity, meekness and purity. 

My paternal ancestors for many generations were Friends, 
and so far as I can learn, they were exemplary members of 
the Society. The earliest among them of whom we have 
any certain account, was Thomas Janney, of Cheshire, 
England. He was convinced of the principles of Friends 
about the year 1654, when the Society first arose in that 
country.* The next year after his convincement, being 
then in the 2 2d year of his age, he received a gift in the 
gospel ministry, and being faithful to the teachings of the 
Holy Spirit, he improved in his gift, and became instru- 
mental in promoting the cause of truth. 

In his native country he suffered loss of goods and im- 
prisonment for his religious testimony.-)- In the year 1683 
he came to Pennsylvania, with his family, and settled* in 
Bucks county, which was during the time of William Penn's 
first visit to America. He served as a member of the Gov- 
ernors Council, and is mentioned in the letters of William 
Penn in terms of regard. % He traveled extensively as a 
minister of the gospel ; having visited Ireland, and many 
parts of England, before his emigration to America; and 

* Piety Promoted ; Vol.1. Philad. Memorials of Friends. 1787. 
f Besse's Sufferings of Friend s; Vol. I, pp. 100, 104, 105. 
J Proud's History of Pennsylvania. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 3 

afterwards he several times visited the Churches not only 
in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, also in New England, 
Long Island, and Maryland. In 1695 he went, in com- 
pany with Griffith Owen, to visit his brethren in Eng- 
land, where, after about eighteen months' service in the 
work of the gospel, he was taken ill, and died in the 1 2th 
month, 1696, in Cheshire, aged about 6$ years, having 
been a minister about 42 years. § 

In a "Testimony concerning him from Friends of Falls 
Monthly Meeting,' ' they say: "We loved and highly 
esteemed him for his work's sake, being an able minister 
of the gospel, sound in doctrine, endowed with wisdom 
and a ready utterance, and favored with openings into the 
mysteries of the things of God's kingdom. He was not 
forward to offer his gift, having a true regard to the Giver, 
who said formerly, ' Cast the net on the right side of the 
ship/ therefore 'his bow abode in strength.' And though 
the Lord had furnished him with such excellent qualifica- 
tions, he had so learned self-denial as not to glory therein, 
but was ready to prefer his friends before himself, and give 
them the right hand of fellowship ; being careful to keep 
the testimony of truth clear on all accounts, saying, 'Those 
that appear in public are doubly bound to do so.' He was 
of a cheerful and peaceable temper, and innocent and blame- 
less life." 

When approaching the close of life, he said : " My care j 
hath been for my sons, that they may be kept in the fear 
of God. I have been a good example to them ; I have a 
care upon me that they may be kept humble while they are 
young ; that they may bend their necks under the yoke of 
Christ. If I am taken away, I am very clear in my spirit 

\ Bouden's Hist, of Friends in America; Vol. II., p. 120. 



4 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

I have answered the requirings of God. I have been faith- 
ful in my day, and I have nothing that troubles my spirit ; 
my spirit is very clear.* 

Jacob Janney was the grandson of Thomas Janney. He 
came from Bucks county, Pa., to Loudon county, Va., 
about the year 1745, being one of the earliest settlers in 
that neighborhood where Goose Creek Monthly Meeting 
was afterwards established. He was, I believe, an Elder 
of the meeting. His wife, Hannah Janney, who long sur- 
vived him, and attained to the age of 93 years, was an 
Elder, highly esteemed, as appears by a memorial from the 
meeting to which she belonged. They had a large family, 
mostly sons, and one of them, Israel Janney, was my grand- 
father, whom I well remember as a dignified and exemplary 
man 5 an Elder of the meeting, and much respected in the 
neighborhood. In the education of his large family of 
children, of whom seven sons and two daughters attained 
to maturity, he was careful to maintain obedience by strict 
discipline, and they nearly all became useful members of 
society. 

My father, who was the eldest son, adopted a mode of 
parental government less rigorous than that of his father, 
and he was enabled, through the power of love and the 
influence of a consistent example, to educate all his chil- 
dren, of whom twelve attained to maturity, in the prin- 
ciples and practice of virtue. 

My mother was of Scottish descent, being the daughter 
of John and Hannah McPherson, who were exemplary and 
consistent Friends. At the time of their marriage, they 
were members of Hopewell Monthly Meeting, Frederic 
county, Va. 

^Smith's Hist, of Friends in Penna. Hazard's Register; Vol. I, p. 213. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. fanney. 5 

I have been told by many persons who knew her, that 
my mother was a very lovely woman ; but I had not long 
the advantage of her tender care and counsel, for she was 
removed by death when I was about twelve years of age. 
I welL remember being called from my bed at night and 
conducted into her chamber, to take my last farewell and 
to receive her dying benediction. 

This brief sketch of my ancestors is intended as a me- 
morial of their virtues, and an incentive to their numerous 
descendants to pursue the same course of obedience to the 
divine law, by which our happiness and usefulness here 
will be promoted, and our eternal felicity secured in the 
life to come. May we ever remember that righteousness 
cannot be transmitted as an inheritance ; but each suc- 
ceeding generation must encounter the temptations and 
trials incident to this state of being; a victory over sin 
can only be achieved by reliance upon divine aid, and 
obedience to the voice of God in the soul. So far from 
deriving any real merit from the virtues of our ancestors, 
we may, by neglecting to follow their example, incur a 
greater responsibility and a heavier condemnation. The 
rebellious Jews boasted that they had Abraham for their 
father, while they were without the faith of Abraham and 
destitute of his virtues. 

There is, however, an advantage derived from preserving 
the memorials of a virtuous ancestry, and frequently recur- 
ring to their example as a means of inciting us to good- 
ness. This consideration, I believe, frequently operates 
beneficially upon the youthful mind. For my own part, 
I can feelingly adopt the language of Cowper : — 

" My boast is not that I deduce my birth 
From loins enthron'd, and rulers of the earth; 
But higher far my proud pretensions rise, 
The Son of parents passed into the skies." 



6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

I remember that at a very early age I experienced the 
operation of divine grace condemning me for evil, and 
inciting me to goodness. I was sent to school when quite 
young, and soon learned to read, which became a source 
of pleasure and instruction. There were at that time very 
few books in the neighborhood. Those possessed by my 
father were, so far as I can remember, all of a useful char- 
acter. Murray's Introduction to the English Reader was 
read in our school by the younger class, to which I be- 
longed, and I recollect that during the reading of one of 
the pathetic pieces, I burst into tears, and could not pro- 
ceed. In my youthful days I took great interest in read- 
ing the Bible, and so strong were the impressions some- 
times made upon my feelings during its perusal, that I can 
remember now the very spot where I sat, engrossed with 
its instructive pages. When I read the narratives of the 
Evangelists concerning the discourses and miracles of 
Christ, I sometimes thought if I had only lived at the 
time when he was personally on earth, how gladly would 
I have followed his footsteps, in order to receive the les- 
sons of instruction that fell from his holy lips, to be- 
hold the wonderful works that he did, and to partake of 
those spiritual blessings that he dispensed to his followers. 
But I have since learned that we of this generation are as 
highly favored as any that have lived before us ; because, 
like those of former ages, we may have access to the Father 
through the Son, by obedience to the manifestations of his 
light and grace in our hearts. We have also the advantage 
of perusing the Scriptures of truth, and of many excellent 
books calculated to promote piety and virtue ; and in ad- 
dition to these high privileges, we live in an age and coun- 
try where we enjoy civil and religious liberty. For the last 
of these blessings we are, under Divine Providence, greatly 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. j 

indebted to our predecessors in the Religious Society of 
Friends, who by their labors and their sufferings were instru- 
mental in reviving primitive Christianity and promoting 
the Redeemers kingdom. 

After the death of my mother, my father, having sold his 
mill and farm in Loudon, removed to Fairfax county, and 
joining in partnership with two brothers-in-law, they built 
the mill called Triadelphia, about four miles west of Alex- 
andria. 

While residing at my fathers house, I attended school 
in Alexandria for a short time, and was then placed, at 
about fourteen years of age, in the counting-house of my 
uncle Phineas Janney, of Alexandria, who was a commis- 
sion merchant and an importer of iron. I lived in his 
family during the remainder of my minority, and until I 
was married. To him and his wife, Sarah S. Janney, I 
feel greatly indebted for their kindness towards me, and 
their long-continued attention to my welfare. 

At the time I entered the counting-house, I had made 
but little progress in my studies : Reading and Writing, the 
rudiments of English Grammar and an imperfect knowl- 
edge of Arithmetic constituted the sum of my school ac- 
quirements; but I had a great thirst for knowledge, and 
took much pleasure in reading. 

The business I had to do occupied not more than half 
of my time, and my uncle had no objection to my reading 
suitable books in the counting-house during leisure 
hours. I soon reviewed my Arithmetic, and commenced 
Algebra, and my uncle sent me to a night school to learn 
the French language. Subsequently I went, as a night 
scholar, to the school of my valued friend Benjamin Hai- 
lowell, to study Surveying. 

My taste for mathematical studies was not sufficient to 



8 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

induce me to pursue them with ardor, and the time for 
such pursuits being limited, I never attained to much pro- 
ficiency in them. 

Natural Philosophy and Chemistry were favorite studies 
with me, and in order to pursue the latter of these sciences 
with success, I induced a number of my young friends to 
join with me in forming an association. We purchased 
apparatus, performed experiments and delivered lectures, 
which became to us a source of much pleasure, and pro- 
moted our progress in scientific knowledge. 

My strongest predilection was for literature, and I read 
with avidity almost every work that came in my way, ex- 
cept those that were considered pernicious, and even some 
of this class occasionally shared my attention, notwith- 
standing the repoofs of that Divine monitor which pleads 
with us in the secret of the soul, and condemns for sin. 

In order to promote my improvement in literary taste, I 
joined a number of young men in forming a literary soci- 
ety, which met once a month to read and criticise original 
essays. This society became to me exceedingly interest- 
ing; it was continued for several years, and many of the 
essays were published in papers devoted to literature. 

About this period I felt a desire to become disting- 
uished for learning, and indulged in aspirations for 
literary fame. In order to assist me in the attainment 
of these ends, I commenced the study of the Latin Gram- 
mar. Before I had made much progress, my mind was 
brought under religious exercise : I wished to scrutinize 
the motives by which I was actuated ; and finding them 
not pure, nor, as I believed, consistent with the Divine 
will, I renounced the study. Since that time I have reflected 
much upon the subject of the ancient classics, and although 
I have felt my deficiency in that branch of learning, I can- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 9 

not say that I have ever repented of the decision then 
made. 

It is impossible to tell what would have been the result, 
if I had persevered, and become a classical scholar ; but 
in renouncing the study I sincerely believed I was doing 
right; and I hold that Divine Providence watches over 
individuals as well as over nations, and by his secret guid- 
ance shapes our destinies. 

In looking back on my past life, I can see that in many 
cases disappointments and afflictions that I regarded as 
calamities, proved to be blessings in disguise; and many 
instances that appeared to be of little importance, led to 
unexpected and beneficial results. 



CHAPTER II. 

Edward Stabler and Dr. Dick — Teaches in a Presbyterian Sabbath- 
school — Establishes with others a First-day school for colored peo- 
ple — Religious exercises. 

1824. 

About the time I was approaching manhood, the 
meeting of Friends in Alexandria was favored with 
the religious services of two ministers whom I highly 
esteemed, and from both of whom I derived instruction 
and consolation. These were Edward Stabler and Br. 
Elisha C. Dick. 

Edward Stabler was the younger of the two, but had 
been much longer in the ministry. He was a remarkable 
example of uprightness and purity in conduct and conver- 
sation, and his ministry was highly appreciated by most 
of those who heard him. By the members of our meeting 
he was much beloved. His mind, originally vigorous, was 



io Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

enlarged by knowledge and strengthened by exercise ; he 
had a remarkable fluency of expression, and was sometimes 
eloquent. But it was in familiar conversation that he most 
excelled; for whatever might be the subject introduced, 
he could discourse interestingly upon it, and illustrate his 
views from the rich stores of his memory ; always endeav- 
oring to blend instruction with enjoyment, and generally 
ending with some important religious truth. 

He was always kind and attentive to me, and I made it a 
practice frequently to stop at his apothecary shop, in the 
evening, on my way home from the counting-house. 

On these occasions he generally entertained me, and 
others who happened to be present, with the rich flow of 
his colloquial powers, dwelling much upon the beauty of 
holiness and the goodness of God. His sons were among 
my most intimate friends, and William, the eldest, after- 
wards became my frequent companion in religious ser- 
vices. 

Dr. Dick had been a gay, fashionable man, and it was 
not till after he had passed the meridian of life, that he 
renounced the world and joined in membership with 
Friends. He was a man of considerable ability, eminent 
in the medical profession, and possessed of much general 
knowledge. 

As a minister of the gospel he spoke forcibly, but not 
eloquently ; his manner was grave and dignified, and the 
matter of his discourses was to me very edifying. In con- 
versation he was agreeable and instructive. After he 
retired from the practice of medicine, he lived in the coun- 
try, not far from my father's residence, and I visited him 
frequently. Although he was an aged man and I very 
young, he seemed pleased to have my company, and I 
enjoyed very much his instructive conversation. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 1 1 

About this period of my life, being of an ardent and 
active temperament, and desirous of doing some good, I 
was for some time connected with a Presbyterian Sabbath- 
school, and went on First-day mornings, to their meeting- 
house, to assist in teaching the poor. When the duties of 
the school were over I generally left, in order to attend 
our own meeting. I do not remember how long this was 
continued, but at length, becoming dissatisfied with some 
of the doctrinal views inculcated in the hymns that were 
sung by the pupils, I withdrew from the school. Soon 
afterwards, being joined by a number of young Friends, 
we established a First-day school for colored children, 
which met in the second story of our meeting-house. It 
was attended by a large number, and I derived great satis- 
faction from our labors on behalf of that much-neglected 
people. 

My mind was deeply interested in the momentous con- 
cerns of religion. I read the Bible diligently, and sought 
for Divine assistance in meditation and prayer ; but unhap- 
pily I did not always watch sufficiently against temptation, 
and was often brought under condemnation for sin. In 
this condition I could adopt the language of the apostle, 
expressive of a state he at one time experienced : "I delight 
in the law of God after the inward man, but I see another 
law in my members, warring against the law of my mind 
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is 
in my members. Oh ! wretched man that I am ! who shall 
deliver me from the body of this death ? M This conflict 
I had to pass through, and it was not until after many years 
of vicissitude, sometimes rejoicing for victory achieved, at 
others mourning for defeat, that I was able to say, in humble 
thankfulness to the Author of all good, " The law of the 
spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the 



1 2 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

law of sin and death. " From the memorandums made 
during this period, the following passages are taken : — 

"8th month, 1824. — About this time my condemnation 
for sin increased to such a degree, that I was almost driven 
to despair, and sometimes doubted whether there was any 
hope of salvation left for me. Then, and not till then, 
did I give up my will unreservedly to God, who, in his 
unspeakable mercy, granted me consolation and help. 
From this time I hope, through his love and power, to 
date my conversion. 

Grant me once more, Almighty Lord, 

To supplicate thy throne of grace ; 
Withdraw not yet thy precious word 

From me ; oh ! hide not now thy face. 

My foes encompass me around, 

On every side their arrows fly ; 
Heal, heal, O Lord, this deadly wound, — 

Immanuel save me, or I die ! 

'Tis all in vain I arm my heart 

With firm resolves to shun the snare— 

The tempter comes with subtle art, 
Corrupts the guard, and enters there. 

Thy temple, Lord, have they defiled, 

Thine altars have they broken down, 
The place where once thy beauty smiled 

Now seems o'erclouded with thy frown. 

Once more wilt thou, my Saviour, deign 

To bless me with thy smile benign ; 
Oh ! wilt thou yet consent to reign 

Within a heart so frail as mine ? 

I feel the burden of my sin, 

Abhor the masters I have served ; 
Thine eye hath all mine anguish seen, 

And all my bitter tears observed. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. \ 3 

Oh ! fix within my heart thy throne, 

From sin's hard bondage set me free; 
I'll place my trust in Thee alone, 

And alt my soul devote to Thee. 

"8th mo. 13th, 1824. — How often have I had to admire 
the tender mercies of my Saviour. Thou art ever blessed, 
O Lord, and they only are blessed who live in thee. Thou 
art the source of life and joy, and they are lifeless and 
wretched who are separated from thee. Oh ! may I con- 
tinue to love thee more and more, as I see thy increasing 
beauty. My heart is, I trust, absolutely resigned to thee 
now, and I feel that the enemy can never be subdued while 
there is a disposition to keep back aught of the obedience 
thou requirest." 



CHAPTER III. 

Attends a Methodist class-meeting with William Lamphier — Reflec- 
tions thereon — Receives a prize for his poem "The Country School- 
House" — Correspondence with George P. Morris — Becomes a con- 
tributor to the New York Mirror — Religious controversy in the So- 
ciety of Friends — A sermon by Margaret Judge — Death of Rachel 
Ellicott — Poem on Affliction. 

i824- , 25. 

Among my intimate friends, about the time I arrived' 
at manhood, and for some years afterwards, was Wil- 
liam Lamphier, a local preacher among the Method- 
ists, and a devoted Christian. He had, some years 
before, been my teacher in the French language ; we were 
fellow-members of a scientific association, and a similarity 
of tastes and feelings caused us to enjoy each other's soci- 
ety, although he was many years my senior. 



14 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

In the summer of 1824, there was a religious revival 
among the Methodists in Alexandria, and my friend Lam- 
phier, being a class-leader, invited me to attend his class. 
I accepted his invitation, and attended once. Each mem- 
ber of the class was invited to give in his experience since 
the last meeting, and I think most of them complied. 
Some of them offered vocal supplication, and there was 
among them a manifestation of much zeal, which I thought 
proceeded from a real desire to lead a holy life. The ten- 
derness and earnestness which appeared to prevail, had an 
animating influence upon my mind. I came away rejoic- 
ing in the belief that there are more good people in the 
world than we are aware of, and I have ever felt disposed, 
when I find such, to embrace them as brethren and sisters 
in Christ. 

The zeal and activity of the Methodists were very con- 
genial to the natural ardor of my disposition ; but I came 
away from that meeting without any inclination to join 
them, for I was thoroughly satisfied that the principles of 
Friends approached more nearly than any others to the 
Christian standard. 

The Methodists are among the most zealous, proselyting 
sects of our age. I think the religious exercises they en- 
gage in are sometimes too much in the will and activity of 
the creature. They do not always wait sufficiently for that 
"unction from the Holy One" which alone can enable us 
to worship aright ; for it appears to me, that to talk habit- 
ually of religion, and to engage in devotional exercises 
without some preparation of heart and sense of duty, is cal- 
culated to diminish our strength and impair our spiritual 
vision. 

On the other hand there is, among many sincere-hearted 
Friends, a "withholding more than is meet, which tendeth 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 15 

to poverty/ ' We should not be ashamed or afraid to 
express our religious convictions, on proper occasions and 
in a becoming manner. If our hearts are really deeply 
interested in the cause of truth, it is reasonable to suppose 
that in social intercourse with our friends, we must at 
times, be led to speak of those feelings and aspirations 
which occupy a prominent place, if not the first place, in 
our affections. It is especially incumbent upon parents to 
embrace every suitable opportunity to instruct their chil- 
dren in the great truths of Christianity, and to lead them, 
both by example and precept, to seek for those enduring 
riches which are the inheritance of all who are born of the 
Spirit, and thus become the children of God. 

In the Autumn of 1824, I had, after many vicissitudes 
of joy and grief, attained to some degree of stability and 
peace of mind, through the continued mercy of my Heav- 
enly Father. It was then that a trial of faith and obe- 
dience was permitted to assail me, by a successful literary 
effort, which seemed to open a prospect of my youthful 
dreams being realized. The following memorandum, made 
at the time, describes the state of my feelings : — 

" 9th mo. 13th. — During the last week my mind has been 
variously affected, sometimes full of love, tenderness and 
joy, and at others feeling but little sense of comfort ; yet, 
through Divine mercy, I have been generally watchful and, 
I hope, have made a little progress. At one time, being 
moved by an impulse of Divine love to a charitable action, 
I was greatly blessed in the performance of it, to my own 
admiration of the Divine goodness and unspeakable rejoic- 
ing. Let me, then, in remembrance of the Lord's 
kindness towards me, both spiritually and temporally, with- 
hold nothing that he requires of me, but gladly give up all 
to his service, who has given all that I possess. There is a 



1 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

satisfaction in doing the Divine will that surpasses all other 
enjoyments, and I hope I shall never again be willing to 
feed upon the " husks," but wait patiently in my Father's 
house, who has enough and to spare, and is a bountiful 
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

"Some months ago there were some literary prizes offered 
in New York, and my love of fame induced me to offer 
two essays for them. On Third day last, my poem enti- 
tled "The Country School-House' ' came to hand, pub- 
lished as the prize poem, with an invitation from George 
P. Morris, editor of the New York Mirror, to send more 
essays. This information, which at a former period would 
have been so flattering, through the gracious dealings of 
the Lord and the manifestation of his love, was received 
without much rejoicing; nay, it even caused bitterness 
of grief to think how my heart had been devoted to those 
things which I now see are but dross and tinsel, compared 
with the riches of heavenly love. The moral essay, in 
verse, which I have on hand, I do not feel at liberty to 
send until (through Divine assistance) I shall have com- 
pletely conquered the love of applause. 

"I have written an essay, in prose, on the love of fame, 
which I hope will do good, and feel at liberty to send it, 
as it shows, in part, my reasons for not sending the others.' ' 

The prose essay alluded to in the foregoing extract was 
published in the New York Mirror ; and afterwards I sent 
to the editor of that paper, George P. Morris, a number 
of essays, in prose and verse, which were published. 

A correspondence took place between the editor and 
myself, and afterwards a personal acquaintance was formed. 
For some years I sent him occasional contributions ; but 
a large portion of the paper being occupied with tales 
and other light reading, my interest in it gradually de- 
clined, and I ceased to be a contributor. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 1 7 

About this time my feelings were deeply interested, and 
sometimes grieved, by the religious controversy then going 
on in the Society of Friends. The doctrinal views of Elias 
Hicks were strenuously opposed by several ministers from 
England, and by many ministers and elders of our Society 
in this country, who charged him with a denial of the fun- 
damental doctrines of Christianity. On the other hand, 
his numerous friends contended that he preached the gos- 
pel in purity and exemplified it by a holy life. 

During several years the meetings of Friends were dis- 
tracted by this controversy; many pamphlets and other 
publications were issued on both sides ; it was the frequent 
topic of conversation, and in the heat of discussion, party 
zeal was more apparent than Christian charity. 

The two most prominent ministers of our meeting, Ed- 
ward Stabler and Dr. E. C. Dick, did not agree in senti- 
ment concerning the doctrinal points at issue ; the former 
being satisfied with the views of Elias Hicks, and the latter 
opposed to them. 

The following memorandums, made at the time, express 
my own feelings and impressions : — 

" 1824, 9th mo. 20th. — Yesterday morning was a time 
of trial and deep distress, Our ancient friend E. C. Dick 
delivered, in our meeting for worship, a testimony which 
I scarcely know how to record, though I believe it will be 
right to preserve the remembrance of it. 

" He stated the pain it gave him and the condemnation 
he felt at a former meeting, for not standing up and testi- 
fying to the Divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
as manifested in the flesh personally on earth, crucified by 
the Jews, received up into Heaven, and seated on the right 
hand of God ; who is the only Saviour and Mediator 
between God and man; through whose death we have 



1 8 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

received the remission of sins, and through whose spirit 
we are raised up into life eternal, and made living mem- 
bers of his Church. 

" He seemed greatly to fear the progress amongst us of 
those Unitarian doctrines which attribute to Christ no 
further excellency than that of being a good man, and the 
first-born among the sons of God, and assume that all, by 
obedience to the Divine light, may become equal with 
Christ. 'But,' said he, 'Christ, after his resurrection, told his 
disciples, " All power is given unto me in Heaven and in 
earth ;" the Scripture also says he is set down on the right 
hand of God, and will reign until all his enemies are sub- 
jected unto him, and then he will come and judge all na- 
tions ; his elect (or those who have served him) will meet 
him in the air; the rest he will condemn, and he will create 
new heaven and a new earth for the righteous to dwell in 
with him.' 

"He seemed evidently to allude to a friend in our meet- 
ing (calling him a brother whom he greatly esteemed), as 
preaching a different doctrine, and making Saviours of all 
the Christian graces; whereas there is but one Saviour, 
'the man Christ Jesus.' He also alluded to a Friend or 
Friends in the North as denying the Lord that bought them, 
and described this belief as an ignus-fatuus that had misled 
many, as it was predicted by Christ should be the case in 
the latter days. 

"My mind was greatly bowed with grief under 
this discourse, as there is evidently a difference of belief 
between two ministers who are the foremost in our meet- 
ing, and the leaders of the flock. From both I have de- 
rived spiritual benefit, but more especially from him who 
delivered the testimony as above stated, whose ministry 
has of late been particularly blessed to me. The doc- 



Memoirs of Samuel M, Janney. 19 

trines he preaches are, I believe, the true doctrines of 
Christ and his apostles ; yet the public mannner in which 
the testimony was delivered, in direct and pointed oppo- 
sition to a brother minister (who has been longer in the 
church), is, I fear, an infringement of the good order of 
the gospel, and of the discipline which should prevail in 
the church. For my own part, my desire is that we may 
follow neither Paul nor Apollos, but wait upon Christ, 
and, searching the Scriptures diligently, depend upon him 
who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, for the inter- 
pretation of the mysteries they treat of. My constant 
prayer has been that the Lord would shine in the hearts of 
all, convincing those who err, confirming those who are 
right, and stirring up the lukewarm to a more lively faith. 
Oh, that He would be with us, to preserve us from con- 
tention, and enable us, with meekness and love, to bear 
with one another ! ' Spare thy people, O Lord ! and give 
not thine heritage to reproach. ' 

"9th mo. 28th, 1824. — Oh, let me praise the Lord for 
his unspeakable mercy towards me. I have every day 
occasion to bless his holy name, and to thank him that he 
has called me out of the dark path of my own will, into 
obedience to his gracious commands. Thou, O Lord, 
dost bless those, who love and obey Thee, with the sweet 
savor of thy spirit and the pure delight of thy commu- 
nion, which consists not in elementary types, but in the 
reality of thy presence and the endearing sense of thy 
love. Be pleased still to be with me through life, and may 
my path be as the path of the just, a shining light, bright- 
er and brighter unto the perfect day. Who is like unto 
the Lord in glory and strength ; for at his word the enemy 
was struck with confusion. Who is like unto him in 
mercy; for he hath heard the prayer of the poor and 



20 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

needy when there was none to help ; he hath scattered 
every foe, and spoken peace to my soul ? Even the hours 
of his transient absence, though dark and gloomy, are 
made, through his mercy, the messengers of his love. The 
soul that has enjoyed his presence may forget the value of 
the blessing ; but when this is withdrawn for a season, it 
induces a careful watchfulness and diligent search into 
the heart, an humble dependence upon his Almighty arm, 
and prepares again to receive him with thankfulness and 

joy." 

For some time after this I was preserved in watchful- 
fulness and peace of mind ; but not without suffering and 
solicitude, on account of the unhappy difference of senti- 
ment existing between the ministers of our meeting. I 
visited E. C. Dick, and had a free conference with him 
concerning his religious views. He expressed his belief 
that Christ came to offer up his body as a propitiation for 
the sins of the whole world, that through faith in his 
blood shed for us, we might have remission of sins, and 
through his spirit we might be raised up into newness of 
life, and rendered perfect through the measure of the 
spirit given unto us by him, in whom dwelt the fulness of 
the Godhead bodily. 

Soon afterwards I visited two of the elders of our meet- 
ing, to confer with them on the same subject. I found 
they placed far less reliance than E. C. Dick, upon the 
sufferings and death of Christ. They relied on the spirit 
of Christ as the saving power, and they referred me to the 
" more sure word of prophecy/ ' as a light shining in the 
heart more certain than the Scriptures. I came away from 
this interview much discouraged and burdened with 
grief, which continued nearly all night, and deprived me 
of my accustomed rest. Next morning the gloom con- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 21 

tinued, but I was enabled to find some relief in prayer. 
One of the elders, my dear old friend George Drinker, 
called in, to whom I stated that, if I had said anything 
they considered disrespectful in our interview the evening 
before, L wished to be informed of it, in order that I 
might make reparation, if necessary ; for I was not above 
reproof. He replied that I had said nothing improper, 
but "very far from it," and he expressed a hope that we 
might all live in unity and love, and all come to the 
knowledge of the Truth at last. I then felt a sweet flow of 
Divine love, which melted my heart and gave rise to a flow 
of tears. I felt that I could then embrace them all in per- 
fect love, and I was enabled to pray that we might all seek 
the truth and find it. 

After these interviews, I came to the conclusion that it 
would be my duty to say little on the subject to any one, 
but to wait and depend on Him "who shutteth and no 
man can open, and who openeth and no man can shut;" 
who has the key of David, even Christ Jesus our Lord. 

During several years, while that religious controversy 
was agitating the Society of Friends, we were visited by a 
number of ministering Friends from England, among whom 
were Anna Braithwaite and William Forster. Their reli- 
gious services deeply interested me, and I thought they 
were instrumental in promoting my spiritual welfare. My 
doctrinal views, at that time, were similar to theirs ; but I 
was so well assured that Edward Stabler and other minis- 
ters, whose sentiments on some points differed from theirs, 
were good Christians, that I did not suffer myself to fall 
under the dominion of that censorious, uncharitable spirit 
which was then laying waste our religious Society. The 
doctrines I then held were those called Orthodox, but I 
could not endure the spirit of bitterness and party zeal by 
which those doctrines were too often accompanied. 



22 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

My feelings were thus expressed in an entry dated 1 2th 
mo. 9th, 1824: — 

"Yesterday I was blessed with the sweet communion of 
the Lord, and partook with thankfulness of the bread of 
life. But through unwatchfulness, this morning, I was 
again brought under condemnation, in which state I went 
to meeting, and sat for some time in a state of insensibility 
as to spiritual things. At length our dear friend Edward 
Stabler arose, in the power of a living ministry, and 
through the co-operation of the spirit of Divine love in 
my heart, poured in the oil and the wine. He taught us 
that every dispensation of the Almighty was for our good, 
and that He has only commanded us to do good and to 
avoid evil because it is for our present and eternal interest 
to do so ; ' for the work of righteousness is peace, and the 
effect thereof quietness and assurance forever.' It is a 
great mercy that He will not suffer us to enter into the 
garden of Eden (or enjoyment) while in a corrupt or 
guilty state, lest we partake of the tree of life and live 
forever in that state. Oh ! let me submit to the sword of 
the spirit, which will destroy the evil, and enable me to 
enter into the Paradise of God." 

Near the close of the year 1824, being on a visit at the 
house of my friend Benjamin Hallowell, in Alexandria, on 
First-day evening, I participated in a religious opportunity 
in which, after a season of silent waiting upon God, the 
gospel was preached by Margaret Judge, a minister of our 
Society, afterwards known extensively as Margaret Brown. 
Benjamin and Margaret (his wife) were addressed in the 
language of encouragement, and particularly the former, 
who was reminded of his trials and deliverances, in which 
he had found the love of God manifested towards him ; 
and he was assured that "his feet would be anointed to 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 23 

tread upon the high places of the earth." She then ad- 
dressed me in language not less consoling, stating that I 
had been with Jesus in the garden, — that my tears shed 
before him were bottled up in remembrance ; and she con- 
cluded by assuring me that, if I remained faithful, " He 
would cause me to shine as a bright star in the firmament 
of his glory." 

I was humbled and contrited under her communication, 
which appeared to me to be attended with unction from 
on high. 

On the 22d of the 4th month, 1825, my dear friend and 
step-sister Rachel Ellicott, aged 21 years 16 days, closed 
her mortal career, to rise, I trust, in a purer and happier 
realm. The event had been for a long time expected, and 
we were in some degree resigned to the loss, but still the 
stroke was severe. She was calm and resigned to the will 
of her Divine Master, in whom her confidence was placed. 
About thirty-six hours before her death, when she supposed 
her end was near, I was sent for to see her. She received 
me most affectionately, and said she felt calm and peaceful, 
and hoped she should not be alarmed when the awful time 
came. After a while a little cloud of doubting came over 
her mind, when the Comforter seemed to have left her for 
a season, and she was apprehensive she had not been suf- 
ficiently earnest in the great work of salvation. I told her 
that Christ would never leave his disciples entirely, though 
he sometimes hid his presence from them for a season, for 
a trial of their patience. She appeared attentive to the 
remark, and when Dr. Dick, whom she had sent for, came 
in soon after, she asked him, " Does our kind Master ever 
leave us for awhile, to try our patience?" He replied that 
it was frequently the case with even the holiest men, and 
he related some instances within his own observation, with 
many passages of Scripture, to relieve and comfort her. 



24 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

After awhile she said, "Now, Doctor, let me commune 
with my own heart.' ' He ceased, and she seemed engaged 
in supplication, after which the peace and serenity re- 
turned, and continued, I believe, to the end. 

The next morning I conversed with her again on the 
state of her feelings and the prospect of death, when she 
looked forward to the solemn event with calm resignation 
to the Divine will. She suffered severe pain until the fol- 
lowing morning, when she sent for Dr. Dick, and inquired 
if the time of her release was not at hand, and might not 
be expected in an hour or two. He thought not so soon, 
but supposed the pain would soon be alleviated. She lived 
only about one hour from that time, being quite calm and 
serene, then she remarked, "I am going," and expired 
without a struggle. 

Thus passed away, from earth to Heaven, a pure and 
lovely being, who had once been the object of my ardent 
attachment and sanguine hopes, but whose lingering 2llness 
had sobered and chastened my feelings towards her, until 
I regarded her with a brotherly affection and Christian 
sympathy. To her were addressed the following lines, 
written during her illness : — 

AFFLICTION. 

Though long- upon the willow tree has hung 

My harp, — or only in the lonely hours 

Of solitude been swept by sorrow's hand, — 

Fain would I bring, dear sister, to thine ear, 

Some soothing lay to cheer th' afflictive hour. 

And shall I sing the joy affliction brings, 

How it becomes the messenger of Heaven 

To call us from our earthly loves and cares, 

And fix our thoughts on purer things above ? 

Oh ! I have felt how gently it unclasps 

The tendrils that we twine around those weeds 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 25 

Of earth, — which were too weak for our support; 

And how it gives a surer, stronger stay, 

To lift dependent man above the dust, 

In the bright sunshine of eternal love ; 

And when the tempest rages, to uphold 

The trembling soul. Thou, too, hast felt these things; 

Thou hast, I trust, found Him, of whom 'tis said 

That " Moses and the prophets spake," — himself 

While here on earth, a life of sorrow led ; 

And is it strange that they whom He designs 

To reign with him, should share his sufferings too ? 

" He chasteneth whom He loveth," — let us then, 

Dear sister, raise to Him the incense pure 

Of gratitude, for all his favors past ; 

Even for afflictions, — which like clouds and rain, 

Obscure awhile the brightness of our sky, — ■ 

But are the means appointed to bring forth 

The tender plant, and to sustain its life. 

Yet are there times, even in the darkest days, 

When light shines thro' the broken clouds, and brings 

Before the mental eye, that heavenly bow, 

Which gives the promise of a purer sky, 

Where Truth celestial shall unclouded shine, 

And love and mercy reign forever more. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Co-partnership with Dr. Bond — Marriage— Bridal tour — Poem upon 
Lake George — Labors for the Colored people — Formation of a 
Benevolent Society — Joins a Colonization Society — Petition to Con- 
gress for the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia — 
Illness and visit to the Red Sulphur Springs — Poem. 

1825 to 1829. 

In the spring of the year 1825, I entered into co-part- 
nership with my friend Thomas M. Bond, and we opened a 
store in Alexandria ia the Apothecary business. He had 



26 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 

been engaged in that line of business and was well instruc- 
ted in it, but I had no knowledge of it. It was therefore 
arranged that he should have charge of it, and that I should 
retain my place as clerk for my uncle Phineas Janney. 
This co-partnership continued only about a year, when we 
sold out our stock, and my partner, having studied medicine, 
went to college in order to prepare himself for a physician. 

During the summer of the same year, on my recovery 
from sickness, the following memorandum was made: — 

"8th mo. 3d. Thou art merciful Oh Lord in all thy 
dispensations ; I thank Thee for this slight affliction which 
has in some measure awakened me from the torpor into 
which I had fallen. Nothing short of entire resignation to 
thy will and continual watchfulness over myself, will save 
me from sin and effect the great work of regeneration 
without which no man can see the Lord." 

On the 9th day of the 3d month 1826, I was married 
in Friends 1 meeting house in Alexandria, to Elizabeth, 
V daughter of John and Elizabeth Janney. Her parents had 

been residents of Alexandria, but were both deceased, and 
she lived with her stepmother Ann Janney. My wife and 
I were distantly related ; our grandfathers being first 
cousins. We had known and esteemed each other for 
many years, and our friendship gradually ripened into a 
warmer and more tender affection, which being sanctioned 
and confirmed by the holy rite of matrimony, has resulted 
in a union that I regard as the greatest of all my temporal 
blessings. In prosperity and adversity she has been a safe 
counsellor, a sympathizing companion and a helpmeet 
steadfast in love and devotion. 

Soon after our marriage we went on a tour to the Fails 
of Niagara, thence to Montreal and Quebec, returning 
by way of Lake Champlain and through several of the New 
England states. It was a season of unalloyed enjoyment* 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 27 

The following lines written at Lake George express some 
of the feelings experienced during that excursion. 

LAKE GEORGE. 

Sweet, peaceful Lake ! how would I love to glide 

At morn and eve upon thy crystal tide ; 

Push the light skiff along thy silent shore, 

Where rocks and verdant woods are hanging o'er; 

Among the islands on thy bosom rove, 

In shady nook or cool sequester' d grove ; 

Or seek some cave beneath yon towering hill, 

Where mossy rocks the crystal stream distil. 

But not thro scenes like these, alone, I'd stray, — 

One dear companion still should cheer my way ; 

Her brightening eye should on these beauties gaze 

Her raptured tongue should dwell upon their praise ; 

Meanwhile the stream of life would glide away, 

Pure as thy waters, and serene as they. 

Oh! I have watch' d with rapture lighted eye 

The earliest dawn that ting'd yon orient sky, — 

Seen the blue mists around these mountains roll'd, 

Their graceful outlines ting'd with burnish' d gold, 

Till from yon cliffs that o'er the waters frown, 

The sun, uprisen pour'd his radiance down; 

Chas'd by his light, the sombre shades withdrew, 

The scattered clouds in wild confusion flew, 

Clear and distinct each beauteous scene became, 

And all the mountain tops were fringed with flame. 

Delightful Lake ! how grateful is the scene, 

At sultry noon among thy Islands green, 

Where cool and shelter' d from the scorching ray, 

The patient Angler whiles the hours away; 

Leans o'er the bank, and in the crystal tide 

Sees round his hook the playful fishes glide, 

Till some poor victim tempted by the bait 

Is drawn reluctant to his hapless fate. 

When o'er yon mountain glows the setting sun, 

And all the labors of the day are done, 



28 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

How would I love, devoid of care, to stray- 
Along thy shores, and watch the closing day, 
See the last lingering beam of light that gilds, 
The craggy summits of yon eastern hills, 
Or mark the shades of evening mantling round 
Yon ancient fortress crumbling to the ground, 
Where erst, the sons of men in wrathful hour, 
Contended fiercely for the grasp of power. 
Pure, peaceful Lake ! long will my heart hold dear 
The bright remembrance of the hours passed here ; 
Where love's bright flame and friendship's genial ray 
A pleasing radiance shed around my way, 
And gave a lovelier form and brighter hue 
To every scene that met my wondering view. 

At the time of my marriage I was engaged in mercantile 
business in Alexandria, and during many years a consider- 
able share of my attention was devoted to the subject of 
slavery and the means of alleviating the condition of the 
people of color. In conjunction with other members of our 
religious society, and a few Methodists, I took an active 
part in forming and conducting an Association which was 
called the Benevolent Society. To rescue from the poses- 
sion of the slave traders, persons illegally held in bondage 
and to enlighten the public mind in regard to the evils of 
slavery were two of the main objects we had in view. At 
that time the domestic slave trade was actively carried on 
in Alexandria, and among its victims were some who were 
free born, or were slaves only for a term of years. These 
we sometimes succeeded in rescuing by a legal process, but 
not unfrequently they were carried off by the traders before 
we received information of their captivity. On behalf of 
the Association I wrote a series of essays on slavery and the 
domestic slave trade, which were published in the year 1827 
in the Alexandria Gazette, a paper that had a considerable 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 29 

circulation in Virginia. The opposition to such publications 
in our state was not then so great as it became a few years 
later, and the views we promulgated adverse to slavery, were 
read without producing any demonstrations of violence. 
Slavery was then generally acknowledged to be an evil en- 
tailed upon us by former generations, which it was alleged 
could not be remoyed without much ■ danger, and most of 
the slave holders maintained that the negroes when libera- 
ted must be colonized in some foreign country. I was a 
member of the colonization society, and then believed its 
purpose of removing the free people of color and liberated 
slaves to Africa, would be the means of promoting eman- 
cipation in the Southern States, and of planting a colony 
that would spread civilization and Christianity in that 
benighted country. Subsequently I became convinced 
that the tendency of the scheme of colonization was to 
quiet the conscience of the people, lead to a false security, 
and put off, to a distant day the work of emancipation. 
It must however be admitted, that the planting of the 
colony of Liberia has been a blessing to the people of 
Africa, and we have reason to believe that great and bene- 
ficent results will flow from it. May the Author of ail 
good, cause it to be instrumental in advancing the happi- 
ness of man by extending the Redeemer's kingdom. 

About the year 1826 or 1827, our Benevolent Society in 
conjunction with a similar Association in Washington City 
got up a petition to Congress for the abolition of slavery 
in the District of Columbia. We obtained the signatures 
of about a thousand respectable citizens, among whom were 
prominent merchants and judges of the District Courts. 
While soliciting signatures to the petition, I remember 
that I called on Geo. Washington Park Custis, the step son 
of Gen. Washington, and the proprietor of the Arlington 



30 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

estate. He treated me with civility, and admitted the 
evils of slavery, but declined to sign the petition. He 
spoke freely of the unproductiveness of slave labor, 
and said; u Iam accounted among the richest men in 
Virginia, yet I seldom have a dollar." He knew that 
slavery was wrong in principle and disastrous to the best 
interests of the state, but although he made high pro- 
fessions of patriotism in his public orations, he made no 
effort or submitted to any sacrifices to remove an evil 
which he seemed to deplore. He did, however, follow 
the example of Washington by providing in his will for the 
liberation of his slaves. Our petition was presented to 
Congress, and although it seemed to have no immediate 
effect, it was in subsequent years, sometimes referred to in 
the earnest debates that took place on the subject of 
slavery. The following extracts from the petition will 
show the sentiments then entertained by many citizens of 
the District of Columbia. " While the laws of the United 
States denounce the foreign slave trade as piracy, and 
punish with death those who are found engaged in its 
perpetration, there exists in this District, the seat of the 
National Government, a domestic slave trade scarcely less 
disgraceful in its character, and even more demoralizing in 
its influence. For this is not like the former, carried on 
against a barbarous nation ; its victims are reared up 
among the people of this country, educated in the precepts 
of the same religion, and imbued with similar domestic 
attachments. These people are without their consent torn 
from their homes, husband and wife are frequently separa- 
ted and sold into distant parts, children are taken from 
their parents without regard to the ties of nature, and the 
most endearing bonds of affection are broken forever. 
Nor is this traffic confined to those who are legally slaves 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 31 

for life. Some who are entitled to freedom, and many 
who have a limited time to serve, are sold into uncon- 
ditional slavery, and owing to the defectiveness of our 
laws, they are generally carried out of the District before 
the necessary steps can be taken for their release. Nor is 
it only from the rapacity of slave traders that the colored 
race in this District are doomed to suffer. Even the laws 
which govern us, sanction and direct in certain cases, a pro- 
cedure that we believe is unparalleled in glaring injustice 
by any thing at present known among the Governments of 
Christendom. 

An instance of the operation of these laws, which 
occurred during the last summer we will briefly relate. A 
colored man who stated that he was entitled to his free- 
dom was taken up as a runaway and lodged in the jail at 
Washington City. He was advertised, but no one appear- 
ing to claim him, he was according to law put up at public 
auction for the payment of his jail fees, and sold as a slave 
for life. He was purchased by a slave trader who was not 
required to give security for his remaining in the District, 
and he was soon after shipped at Alexandria for one of the 
Southern States. An attempt was made by some benevolent 
individuals to have the sale postponed until his claim to 
freedom could be investigated, but their efforts were un- 
availing ; and thus was a human being sold into perpetual 
bondage at the capital of the freest government on earth 
without a pretence of trial or an allegation of crime. 

This odious law was adopted with the old code of Mary- 
land, from which we believe it has been expunged since 
this District was ceded to the General Government. The 
fact of its having been so recently executed shows the 
necessity of this subject being investigated by a power 
which we confidently hope will be ready to correct it. 



32 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

The existence among us of a distinct class of people, 
who by their condition as slaves, are deprived of almost 
every incentive to virtue and industry, and shut out 
from many of the sources of light and knowledge, has an 
evident tendency to corrupt the morals of the people, and 
to dampen the spirit of enterprise by accustoming the 
rising generation to look with contempt upon honest labor 
and to depend for support too much upon the labor of 
others. It prevents a useful and industrious class of people 
from settling among us, by rendering the means of sub- 
sistence more precarious to the laboring class of whites; it 
diminishes the resources of the community by throwing the 
earnings of the poor into the coffers of the rich, thus 
rendering the former dependent, servile, and improvident, 
while the latter are tempted to become in the same pro- 
portion luxurious and prodigal. * * * " We would there- 
fore respectfully pray that these grievances may claim the 
attention of your honorable body, and that a law of Con- 
gress may be enacted, declaring that all children of slaves 
born in the District of Columbia after the fourth of July 
1828, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years \ and that 
those laws which authorize the selling of supposed run- 
aways for their prison fees or maintenance may be repealed. 
And also that laws may be enacted to prevent slaves from 
being removed into this District, or brought in for sale, 
hire or transportation, without however, preventing mem- 
bers of Congress, resident strangers, or travellers from 
bringing and taking away their domestic servants." 

The enactment asked for in this petition appears very 
inadequate, in as much as the holding of people in bondage 
till they are twenty-five years of age, and then liberating 
them would not satisfy the demands of justice. We had to 
yield something to public opinion, in order to obtain 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 33 

signers to our petition, and we asked for as much as we 
thought could possibly be obtained. 

For my part, I was in favor of immediate and uncondi- 
tional emancipation, and did not hesitate to say so ; but 
knowing the prejudice against it in the minds of the people, 
I only asked for gradual emancipation. 

In the year 1828, I entered into partnership with my 
brother-in-law Samuel H. Janney, to build and conduct a 
cotton factory at Occoquan, sixteen miles south of Ale- 
xandria. 

We had a commercial house in Alexandria where I resi- 
ded, but in the course of two or three years I found it 
expedient to remove to Occoquan. Before our removal 
from Alexandria I had a severe attack of bilious fever 
which brought me very low, and caused deep searching of 
heart as to my spiritual condition. After I had so far re- 
covered as to go out and attend to business I found my 
health was seriously impaired ; I had a troublesome cough, 
sometimes attended with spitting of blood and a hectic 
fever. In this condition I set off on horseback to visit 
some of the Virginia Springs in the summer of 1829, being 
accompanied by my father as far as Charlottesville and 
Monticeilo. 

The sublime scenery through which I passed was ex- 
hilarating to my spirits, and the ride on horseback by easy 
stages, increased my appetite and strength. 

At the Red Sulphur Spring in Monroe County, Va., I 
spent some weeks with very great advantage to my health. 
The water has the property of reducing the pulse, and in- 
creasing the appetite. It is much resorted to, by consump- 
tive patients and many have attributed their recovery from 
that wasting disease to its healing virtues. From one of 
my letters written there to my wife I select the following 

3 



34 Memoirs of Sainuel M. Janney. 

passage: "I trust my health is now restored, but I am 
more liable to another attack than before, and I must 
try to pursue a different course on my return home, but 
how to effect it I hardly know, as the labors of the 
counting house cannot be dispensed with while I remain in 
the business. Men of business insensibly become more 
and more interested in it until the whole mind is absorbed 
by it, and life passes on like a delirious dream of care and 
anxiety until we are awakened by some sudden shock which 
opens our eyes and changes all our views. Since I left 
home, I have necessarily passed a good deal of time in 
solitude, which during the absence of all those objects that 
lately engrossed my attention, has induced a train of reflec- 
tions that I trust will never be forgotten.' ' 

It was then customary at most of the Virginia Springs 
for the boarders to live in cabins built of logs, or in small 
frame cottages. There was at the Red Sulphur one large 
hall used as a dining room which was detached from the 
other buildings. I had a cabin to myself; it had no glass 
windows, but had window shutters, a clean floor, and a 
comfortable bed. 

I had no books to read except the New Testament, and 
being lonely I sometimes found agreeable employment in 
writing verses. Among the best of my compositions at 
that time was the following poem. 

A NIGHT SCENE AMONG THE MOUNTAINS 
OF VIRGINIA. 

How calm and glorious is the hour of night, 

In these uncultur'd solitary wilds, 
When o'er each lowly vale and lofty height, 

The full-orb' d moon in cloudless lustre smiles. 

Those lofty mountains with their forests green, 
And craggy summits towering to the sky, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 35 

How proudly do they rise o'er all the scene, 
And lift the mind from earth to muse on high. 

And yon pure rivulet that pours along, 

Playing and sparkling in the moonbeams clear, 

How sweet the music of its vesper song, 
In changeful cadence falls upon the ear. 

And hark ! the roar of those far-spreading woods, 

Sinking or rising as the wind sweeps by; 
Myriads of voices fill these solitudes 

And send the notes of melody on high. 

While all His works with one accord rejoice, 
And pour forth praises to the Great Supreme, 

Shall man, unmoved, withhold his nobler voice, 
Nor glow with rapture on the glorious theme ? 

His bounteous goodness all creation fills, 

E'en these wild woods where solitude prevails ; 

He sends His dews upon the untrodden hills, 
And flowers he scatters o'er the lonely vales. 

Scenes unfrequented by the feet of men, 

Display His goodness and proclaim His might; 

He feeds the wild deer in the secret glen, 
And the young eagles on the craggy height. 

His mighty hand the vivid lightning speeds, 
And bursts the clouds that o'er the hills impend, 

The mountain stream thro' distant lands He leads, 
While joy and melody His steps attend. 

To trace His wonders thro' each varying clime, 

And all His mercies to the sons of men, 
Fills the rapt soul with ecstasy sublime, 

Beyond the efforts of the poets pen. 

Oh ! solitude, how blissful are the hours, 
Among thy shades in heavenly musing past, 

When nature leads us thro' her secret bowers, 
And contemplation spreads the rich repast. 



36 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Among the haunts of men, the thoughtful mind 
That fain would rise above the things of earth, 

Finds her bold flight on every hand confin'd, 
By care distracted, and reduced by mirth. 

But in the deep and solemn hour of night, 
The soul luxuriates in a scene like this, 

From cliff to cliff she wings her daring flight, 
O'er foaming cataract, or dark abyss. 

Or else, uplifted o'er the things of time, 

By heavenly faith from all her bonds set free, 

Among the fields of ether soars sublime, 
And holds communion with the Deity. 

Oh! how transporting is the glorious thought, 

That He, whose power upholds yon worlds above, 

Is ever nigh, and ever found when sought, 
To save and bless us with a Father's love. 

E'en His chastisements are with mercy fraught, 
And seal instruction on the attentive mind ; 

Driven by disease, these distant shades I sought, 
And all the fruitless cares of life resign'd. 

T'was then He met me, and in mercy heal'd 
The raging fever that my strength depress' d; 

His love paternal to my soul reveal'd 

And swell'd the tide of rapture in my breast. 

Then Oh ! my soul, mayst thou continual turn, 
To Him whose power alone can guide thy ways, 

May love Divine upon thy altar burn, 
And every thought and feeling speak His praise. 



CHAPTER V. 

Again visits Red Sulphur Springs — His health much improved — Re- 
moval to Occoquan — Visit from Daniel Quinby — He accompanies 
him as far as Richmond and Petersburg — Death of a little daughter 
— Publishes a letter on Christian doctrine — His first appearance in 
the ministry — Reflections upon the ministry — Indulged meeting 
granted at Occoquan — Writes Conversations on Religious Subjects 
— Joins George Truman in a religious visit to the meetings of Fair- 
fax Quarter — Goes as companion for George Truman to visit the 
families of Friends of Baltimore — Visits Dunning's Creek with a 
Yearly Meeting committee— Attends New York Yearly Meeting. 

i82 9 - , 35. 

In the summer of 1830, my health not being fully re- 
stored, I again visited the Red Sulphur Springs, accompa- 
nied by my wife, my sister Thamsin, and my cousin Joseph 
Russell, the two latter being also in bad health. We trav- 
eled in our carriage, and had a saddle horse with us for 
my use. 

This journey through the mountainous region of Vir- 
ginia, along the Kanawha, and returning through Ohio 
by the Cumberland route, was very interesting, and to- 
gether with the healing virtues of the Red Sulphur Springs, 
did much to restore my health. 

In the same year I removed to Occoquan, where our 
cotton factory was situated, sixteen miles south of Alexan- 
dria. The nearest Friends' meeting was in Alexandria, 
which I attended pretty regularly once a week, and some- 
times twice, going mostly on horseback, but occasionally 

(37) 



38 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

taking my family with me. Those frequent rides on horse- 
back, continued for about nine years, contributed greatly 
to the restoration of my health ; and being prompted by 
a sense of religious duty, were blessed in the promotion of 
my spiritual welfare. I often recur, in memory, to those 
solitary rides as seasons of religious instruction, when I was 
permitted to hold sweet communion with the Father of 
spirits. 

At that time I was not fully settled in my views respect- 
ing some of the doctrines professed by Friends, and while 
attending diligently the meetings for worship, I took no 
active part in meetings for discipline. 

In the autumn of the year 1830, Daniel Quinby, a min- 
ister from western New York, came to our house, and held 
a meeting in our village, during which I was deeply im- 
pressed with a sense of the love of God, and my spiritual 
vision was opened to discern more clearly the truths of the 
gospel of Christ. Daniel was then an old man, and though 
provided with a minute of concurrence from his Monthly 
Meeting, he was traveling alone, with a prospect of going 
through the Southern States to New Orleans. I felt much 
unity with him, and thought it my duty to go with him, 
for a few days, on his journey. He traveled in a vehicle 
called a sulky, and I went on horseback. 

We had a meeting for worship at Dumfries, in which 
Daniel was favored to preach the gospel with acceptance. 
The Methodist minister residing there gave us a letter of 
introduction to a widow named Suttle, at Stafford court- 
house, which on our arrival we delivered to her, and were 
heartily welcomed, and invited to stay at her house. She 
said, " I have been expecting you; for it was made known 
to me this morning, while I knelt in prayer, that we should 
have a great meeting here to-day. ' ' 



Memoirs of Samuel Af. Janney* 39 

It was First-day morning, and she immediately took 
measures to have a meeting appointed in the court-house, 
and general information given. The meeting was held in 
the afternoon, and I thought Daniel was highly favored ia 
the exercise of his gift. It was a solemn and impressive 
opportunity. Our hospitable hostess gave us, in conversa- 
tion, some account of her religious experience. She said 
she was for a considerable time in deep distress, feeling the 
need of spiritual comfort, and finding no one able to help 
her. One day, as she stood in her porch, which fronted 
on the public road, she saw a man on horseback approach- 
ing, and it was impressed upon her mind that she must 
speak to him. When he came near, she accosted him 
thus: 

" How are you, sir? Which way are you going ?" 

He answered, "I am going to and fro in the earth." 

" What is your business ? M 

< ' My business is to warn sinners to flee from the wrath to 
come. ' ' 

" Come in, sir," she said. 

And when he entered, she found it was Bishop Asbury,' 
of the Methodist Church. He was instrumental in direct- 
ing her to rely upon Him who is "the Way, the Truth, 
and the Life," and she found peace in taking up the cross. 

We continued our journey, and came to Fredericksburg, 
where we had, in the Methodist meeting-house, a very sat- 
isfactory meeting. The minister in charge requested Dan- 
iel to stay and hold another meeting, but he felt most easy 
to proceed on his way. 

At Richmond and Petersburg we attended meetings, in 
which Daniel was favored to speak to edification and com- 
fort. He then went on board a steamboat bound for Nor- 
folk and Alexandria. I accompanied him on board, taking 



40 Meinoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

my horse with me. The captain handed me letters from 
home, bringing the sad intelligence that my little daughter 
Ellen, aged about two years, had, during my absence, 
died of the croup. I left Daniel at Norfolk, and proceeded 
homeward to join my afflicted family without delay. 

This journey was attended with salutary effects, in re- 
moving doubts from my mind, and giving me clearer 
views of the Christian religion, as a manifestation of Di- 
vine life and love brought forth in the soul, through faith, 
obedience and patience. 

In the autumn of 1831, I had a conversation with an 
intelligent woman, a member of the Episcopal Church, in 
which I was led to speak in defence of the doctrines and 
testimonies of the Society of Friends, and soon after I 
wrote her a letter, explanatory of the same. This " Letter 
on Christian Doctrine" was soon after published, in pam- 
phlet form, by my uncle Phineas Janney, being my first 
appearance in print as an advocate of religious truth. 

I think it was in the year 1832, being the year the chol- 
era prevailed in this country, that I was constrained, by a 
sense of duty, to express in Friends' meeting at Alexan- 
dria, on First-day, a few words in gospel ministry. I be- 
gan by citing the text, "The Lord is in his holy temple; 
let all the earth keep silence before him;" and I pro- 
ceeded to show that the human soul is the temple of God. 
"If any man defile God's temple, him will God destroy." 
I found peace of mind in the performance of this small 
service, and was overcome with deep emotion. Soon after 
meeting, my father spoke to me encouragingly, and had 
reason to believe that the elders of the meeting were sat- 
isfied. My offerings in the line of the ministry were gen- 
erally very brief; but as I grew in experience, the gift was 
enlarged, and in due time my ministry was acknowledged 
by the Monthly Meeting. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 41 

I remember the counsel of a worthy elder, John Williams, 
of Waterford, to this effect : " Begin with, keep with, and 
quit with the life." I have always endeavored to follow 
this advice, very seldom, if ever, rising to speak in meeting 
for worship without a fervent silent prayer for Divine aid ; 
and I have generally been careful not to extend my com- 
munications so as to be burdensome to the hearers. Some- 
times I have had the subject spread out before me in ad- 
vance of my rising to speak, which enabled me to deliver 
a connected discourse ; at other times only a few words or 
a Scripture text have been impressed on my mind, with 
such clearness as to require expression, and when I stood 
up to speak, more would be given. In rightly authorized 
ministry, I think the ideas or emotions to be expressed are 
from impressions made on the mind by Divine grace; the 
language or garb in which they are clothed may be attrib- 
uted to the speaker, and will depend much on his natural 
or acquired endowments. The effort of a gospel minister 
should be, while waiting on God in a religious meeting, to 
withdraw his thoughts from all worldly concerns, watching 
unto prayer; and when his mind is impressed with a sub- 
ject and moved to speak, he should wait until he feels that 
it is the right time ; then he should express what he has to 
say in simplicity of language, adapted to the comprehen- 
sion of all, seeking no ornament of style, going directly to 
the point, and relying not on his own powers of persua- 
sion, but on the gift of God, the witness for truth in the 
hearts of the audience. 

During the latter part of my residence at Occoquan, the 
Monthly Meeting of Friends at Alexandria, at my request, 
granted us the privilege of holding a meeting for worship 
in our village once a month, and appointed a committee 



42 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

to sit with us. These meetings were attended by our neigh- 
bors generally, and were mostly seasons of Divine favor. 

In the 12th month, 1833, I wrote to my friends Philip 
E. Thomas and Benjamin P. Moore, of Baltimore, as fol- 
lows : — 

"My mind has been impressed for some time with a 
belief that it would be right to make more generally known, 
through the medium of the press, the religious sentiments 
entertained by the Society of Friends, and especially those 
views that have an immediate bearing upon the practical 
duties of life. I believe they are founded upon the im- 
mutable basis of truth, and that they will ultimately pre- 
vail, when they become more generally understood. But 
I have felt the importance and delicacy of the task of 
writing the views entertained by a numerous body of peo- 
ple, especially when I consider that there may be a diver- 
sity of sentiment among us on some points, without impair- 
ing the harmony and love which I trust generally prevail. 
Therefore I have concluded not to attempt to state any 
views as those of the Society of Friends, but to write 
them in my own name, and if they should meet the appro- 
bation of my friends, to let them be published, and hold 
myself alone responsible for their correctness.' ' 

"Accordingly I wrote the two numbers now before 
the meeting, and after submitting them to several judicious 
friends in Alexandria and Baltimore, I was advised to offer 
them to John Comly, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, for 
his " Miscellany," which I did. He examined them, and 
advised their being published, but as they did not come 
within the plan of his work, he laid them before the book 
committee of their Representative Committee, by whom 
they were also approved ; but they thought best to pub- 
lish them with the name of the author, and they did not 



Memoirs of SamueC M. Janney. 43 

feel at liberty to do so without the consent of our Meeting 
for Sufferings, as I am a member of Baltimore Yearly 
Meeting.' ' 

" I have therefore concluded to lay them before that meet- 
ing, and to ask leave to have them published, not wishing 
to throw any responsibility or expense upon the meeting; 
but if Friends are willing, I will take all the responsibility 
on myself. I have other matter in view, which I am wil- 
ling to have published in the same way, and some of my 
friends encourage me to proceed, believing that a spirit of 
inquiry in regard to these subjects now prevails in many 
places, which renders the present time peculiarly favorable 
for gaining the public attention. If the meeting should 
think best, under these circumstances, to appoint or con- 
tinue a committee to examine the next number, which is 
nearly ready, I will submit it to them for examination. I 
do not wish to publish, even my own sentiments on these 
important subjects, without consulting some judicious 
friends." 

I remain your affectionate friend, 

Samuel M. Janney." 

The work mentioned in the foregoing letter bears the 
title of "Conversations on Religious Subjects between a 
Father and his two Sons." The Meeting for Sufferings 
(now called the Representative Committee) of Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting, found no fault with that part of the work 
submitted to it, but declined to advise its publication; 
nor did it interpose any objection to its being published 
by others. 

When John Comly was informed of this result, he laid 
the subject before the Representative Committee of Phila- 
delphia Yearly Meeting, and I was invited to sit with the 



44 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Book Committee during their examination of the work. 
The committee was composed of remarkably intelligent, 
thoughtful men, and I well remember how deeply inter- 
esting were some of the discussions that took place on 
various points of Christian doctrine. Very little change 
was made in the manuscript, and none but such as I was 
perfectly willing to adopt. 

The work was published in Philadelphia in the year 
1835, an d so far as I was informed, gave general satisfac- 
tion to the members of our Religious Society. When the 
first edition was exhausted, a second was published by T. 
E. Chapman, a third by John Comly, and a fourth by T. 
E. Zell, who caused the work to be stereotyped. 

In the nth month, 1833, my friend George Truman, of 
Philadelphia, a minister highly esteemed, was engaged in 
a religious visit to the meetings of Friends within the lim- 
its of our Quarterly Meeting, and I felt it my duty to join 
him in the service. While thus engaged, I wrote to my 
wife as follows : — 

"Our dear friend George has, I think, been highly 
favored in his religious services, and so far as I know, has 
given general satisfaction. I have sometimes felt it my 
duty to bear testimony to the Truth in a few words, which 
has been attended with the sweet reward of peace to my 
own mind. The first meeting we attended together since 
we left Alexandria, I had a subject opened to my mind, in 
the early part of the meeting, which appeared to be in- 
tended for the instruction of the meeting, but I knew the 
expectations of the people were fixed upon George, and I 
endeavored to get rid of it and reason it away, but it still 
remained with me, till I was obliged to rise and express 
it. He then took up the same subject, and carried it out 
very satisfactorily. After meeting, he told me not to hold 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 45 

back any more, but attend to my own business, for he 
knew it was my duty to open the subject, and he could not 
proceed until I attended to my concern. Since then our 
minds have been baptized into sympathy through every 
meeting, and so frequently introduced into the same feel- 
ings and views, that I cannot but admire the leadings and 
teachings of the Shepherd of Israel." 

In the 3d month, 1834, I joined my friend George Tru- 
man in a religious visit to the families of Friends in the 
city of Baltimore. In a letter to my wife I said : — 

" We have visited a great many families, generally about 
sixteen or seventeen a day, and have mostly been favored 
to feel that the Master's love was with us. Some seasons 
of deep baptizing have been witnessed, and in a great 
many instances, almost every one present has been broken 
into tenderness. Last night we visited two families at their 
own request, in which there were no members of our own 
Society ; and in many cases we have visited large families 
where there were but one or two of our members ; but all 
seemed to participate in the feeling of life and tenderness 
of spirit. I never knew one more completely dedi- 
cated to the service of God than our friend George, and 
the feeling of Divine love that covers his mind seems to 
be felt by many, and I trust it will spread until the whole 
family and " household of faith" may be baptized together 
by one spirit into one body. There are many young per- 
sons here with whom I deeply sympathize, and hope they 
will submit to the forming hand of our Heavenly Father, 
who is preparing them for vessels in his house. It seems 
to be our place to hold out the hand of encouragement to 
such, — to counsel them to give up in entire dedication to 
the service of God, who requires of us the first fruits of all 
we possess, and the entire surrender of our wills to His 



46 Memoirs of Satnue! M. Janney. 

will. This is the only way to attain true peace of mind, 
for the yoke is made easy and the burden light to those 
who are entirely devoted to the service of God." 

In the spring of 1835 I went to meet a committee of 
Friends at Dunnings' Creek, Bedford county, Pa., under 
an appointment of the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, to 
attend the opening of a new Quarterly Meeting called 
Centre. As I had a prospect of appointing some meetings, 
I took a minute of concurrence from Alexandria Monthly 
Meeting, and had the very acceptable company of my 
friend William Stabler as companion. We went on horse- 
back, and attended eleven meetings for worship on our 
way through the counties of Loudon and Frederick, in 
Virginia. I was then young and inexperienced in the 
ministry, and was often brought under deep exercise, from 
a sense of nly insufficiency for so great a work ; but my 
gracious Master who putteth forth his own sheep and 
goeth before them, was pleased to help me, so that most of 
the meetings were favored with life and solemnity. In 
one of them William Stabler spoke a few words in 
gospel ministry, which were accompanied with deep feel- 
ing, both in himself and others who heard them. This, I 
think, was the beginning of his public ministry. 

After we crossed the Potomac, on our way to Bedford, 
w r e came to a village called Clear Spring. As we rode 
through it, I felt an impression that it would be right to 
stop and see if we could have a meeting there. Being 
strangers, we called at a store to make inquiry, and there 
found a venerable man, with a long white beard, whose 
mild countenance interested me very much. As soon as 
we mentioned the subject, he appeared to take an interest 
in it, and the storekeeper likewise. 

They both agreed that it could not be held till even- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 47 

ing, on account of an auction, which would claim the 
attention of the people nearly all day. The storekeeper 
volunteered to give notice at the auction, and to obtain a 
place for us to meet in. The old man, whose name was 
Myers, sent our horses to a tavern, and asked us to his 
house. His family being from home, he said he could not 
entertain us, but wished to pay for us at the tavern, which 
we declined. He was a member of the society of Chris- 
tian Brethren called Tunkers, and we were much interested 
in his conversation on religious subjects. They agree with 
us in bearing a testimony against war, oaths, slavery, and 
a stipendiary ministry. He was a minister among them, 
and supported himself. The Lutheran meeting-house was 
procured, and a large company of men assembled, but very 
few women. Brother Myers sat with us on a bench under 
the pulpit, not being willing to go into it, which was agree- 
able to my feelings, as it was too much decorated for us. 
We had a very satisfactory meeting, and the people were 
attentive. We proceeded on our journey to Dumpings' 
Creek, twelve miles beyond Bedford, and the new Quar- 
terly Meeting was opened, a committee of the Yearly Meet- 
ing being in attendance. It was a season of religious in- 
struction and spiritual enjoyment. 

In the 5th month, 1839, w * tn my friend Benjamin 
Hallowell as companion, I attended New York Yearly 
Meeting. From letters addressed to my wife, I select 
the following passages : — 

" On First-day morning I went to Rose street meeting, 
where there was a great concourse of people, probably 
two thousand. After the meeting became settled, I felt a 
qualification for service among them, and an opening on 
the subject of the straight gate and the narrow way, that 
leads unto life, which I was enabled to unfold to the satis- 



48 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

faction and peace of my own mind, and the meeting was 
brought into a good degree of solemnity. George Tru- 
man followed, and carried out the same views in a very 
interesting manner, which he said had impressed his mind 
before I rose. A woman Friend appeared in supplication, 
and the meeting closed under a covering of Divine favor. 

"In the afternoon I attended Hester Street meeting — 
George Truman was also there and the meeting was very 
large, I thought I was again qualified for service and the 
subject of the feeding of the multitude by the Divine Mas- 
ter when the few loaves and fishes were blessed and broken 
by him. and distributed by the disciples, was brought be- 
fore my mind in a lively manner, and appeared a striking 
figure of the way in which spiritual food ought to be re- 
ceived and distributed through the instrumentality of a 
christian ministry deriving its qualification from the head 
of the church and looking to Him for support. But alas ! 
I was not sufficiently watchful or humble in the per- 
formance of this service, and after proceeding a while the 
life of the concern seemed to pass away and I labored 
without that support which is essential to enable us to do 
any good in His cause. I drew to a conclusion without 
my mind being relieved and sat down under a cloud of 
discouragement, fearing that I had injured the cause and 
given pain to Friends. After another Friend had spoken 
George Truman took up the same subject which I had be- 
gun, and he was enabled to treat it in such a way as 
relieved me in some measure and brought a good degree 
of solemnity over the meeting. I left the meeting in much 
distress and abasement of mind, but my kind friend Ben- 
jamin Hallowell told me I had said nothing which was in- 
correct or likely to do any harm, although he was sensible 
at the time that I was not getting on to satisfaction, and 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 49 

he sympathized with me on the occasion. He said I was 
remarkably favored in the morning, and that I must expect 
such trying seasons which might perhaps be made the 
means of bringing me into that humble dependence upon 
God which is the most important qualification for service 
in the church." 

" Last night I attended a large meeting of the committee 
on Indian concerns, and was glad to find that Friends here 
are deeply interested for that injured people and about to 
engage in labors for their relief and improvement 

5th mo. 30th. u The yearly meeting has been conducted 
with great propriety and good feeling. One of the changes 
of discipline adopted is to allow women the same pri- 
vileges as men in receiving and disowning members of 
their own sex, and to allow them a joint action in the for- 
mation of discipline. 

I think it a good change, for women are as capable of 
transacting church business as men, and by allowing them 
the privilege it will increase their usefulness.' * 



CHAPTER VI. 

Publishes a volume of Poems — Business at Occoquan proves un- 
successful — Removes to Loudon Co^ Va., where he opens a 
Boarding School. 

1839. 

In the year 1839 I published a volume of poems, some 
of which had previously appeared in the New York Mirror. 
I was encouraged by my friends to believe that they had 
sufficient literary merit to win popular favor, and the edi- 
tion of one thousand copies was disposed of readily, but 
there seemed to be no demand for another edition. Some 



S© Memoirs: of Samuel AT. Janney, 

years later I wrote and published a few other poems, but 
gradually my taste for poetry declined and I came to the 
conclusion that I should succeed better in prose, which 
proved to be the case, as will be hereafter related. 

My business as a cotton manufacturer at Occoquan 
proved to be unsuccessful. When my partner and I en- 
tered into it we thought we had sufficient capital to build 
the factory, but the 'cost being greater than we expected we 
had to go in debt to a considerable amount. In addition 
to this disadvantage we had no knowledge of the busi- 
ness and consequently were dependent upon our employes 
concerning whose qualifications we were not competent to 
judge. Without entering into a detailed account of our em- 
barrassments and struggles, it may be sufficient to say, that 
all our efforts to meet our engagements having proved in- 
effectual, I concluded to leave Occoquan and remove to 
Loudon County in the year 1839 with the prospect of 
opening a boarding school for girls. I brought with me 
nothing but my household furniture, and the sum of four- 
teen hundred and fifty dollars belonging to my wife, being 
the proceeds of a farm derived from her father's estate and 
secured to her by marriage contract, duly recorded. 

This money I invested for my wife, in a lot, and in 
building a house for the boarding school which we called 
Springdale. I obtained the assistance of an experienced 
and competent female teacher; our school was opened 
with favorable prospects, and soon became popular and 
moderately profitable. 

It was a great relief to escape from the care and turmoil 
of uncongenial and unsuccessful business, and to be en- 
gaged in the instruction of youth, an employment that 
suited my taste and brought the reward of peace. 

I was however still burdened with debts incurred while 
engaged with the manufacturing concern, and which I was 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 5 1 

determined to pay as fast as ray means would allow. In 
order that I might not err in judgment, I laid before the 
overseers of our meeting and a few other Friends, a state- 
ment of my affairs, and asked their advice. They approved 
of the course I was then pursuing in appropriating my 
earnings to the payment of debts, and I was encouraged by 
their approbation. In the course of about twenty years I 
paid old debts to the amount of fourteen thousand dollars, 
which I was enabled to accomplish — by the profits derived 
from commissions on several estates which I settled as 
executor, — by the proceeds of my literary labors, — by the 
rents of my wife's estate, and by the profits of the school. 

In all those years of financial embarrassment and earnest 
effort to retrieve my affairs, I had the hearty sympathy and 
effective aid of my wife, who generously allowed the in- 
come from her paternal inheritance to be appropriated to 
the payment of my debts. 

I feel thankful to the Author of all good that through 
His providential care and guidance I have been enabled so 
to live as to secure the approbation and confidence of my 
friends. I have observed that nearly all persons who are 
unsuccessful in business and involved in debt beyond their 
ability to pay, make mistakes and incur censure. I have 
doubtless erred in judgment many times, but have endea- 
vored to do right, and am desirous to make amends as far 
as possible for any damage I have caused. I acknowledge 
that had I attended closely to the excllent advice in the 
Book of Discipline of our Religious Society, I should 
probably have been preserved from the accumulation of 
debts beyond my ability to pay, and thus saved from the 
sorrow and humiliation that attended me many years. 
The great object of this life being to discipline the mind 
and purify the heart, it is often so ordered by Divine Pro- 



52 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 

vidence that trials and sorrows attend us here in order to 
wean us from the world, and fix our affections on Heavenly 
things. 

CHAPTER VII. 

He travels in some of the counties of Virginia, on a religious visit — 
Death of his father. 

i84l-'42. 

In the spring of the year 1841, accompanied by my 
friend Aquila Mead, I traveled in the counties of Fauquier, 
Culpepper, Orange, Albemarle, and Augusta, in Virginia, in 
order to hold religious meetings and proclaim the gospel 
of Christ, as far as ability might be afforded. 

At Warrenton I proposed to have a meeting in the 
court-house, but the citizens expressing a desire for me to 
occupy the meeting-house, I concluded to do so, and notice 
was given at the Presbyterian and Methodist meetings, in 
the forenoon. At the time appointed a large congregation 
assembled, but not being accustomed to our mode of wor- 
ship, they were at first rather restless. After a time of wait- 
ing upon God, I felt ability to labor among them, and en- 
deavor to call their attention, in the first place, to the 
omnipresence of the Deity, citing that sublime passage 
from Psalm lxxxix. 7: "Whither shall I go from thy 
spirit," &c, showing that he is always present with us, 
though not always felt to be so ; I then appealed to the 
wonders of his power, wisdom and goodness displayed in 
the works of creation, but observed that all these evidences 
of his power can never convert and purify the soul ; for 
this, we want something more searching and more inti- 
mately present with us, and this we have granted to us in 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 53 

the word of his grace, which is like a " two-edged sword, 
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, of 
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts 
and intents of the heart.' ' During the latter part of the 
meeting much solemnity prevailed, and I trust a devo- 
tional spirit was felt by many. The Presbyterian min- 
ister was present, and invited us to attend a meeting 
he had appointed for the colored people, to be held at 
that house in the evening. We felt it right to go, as he 
left us at liberty to speak, in case anything should offer for 
their edification. The meeting was well attended by the 
colored people, who behaved in a becoming manner. The 
minister went through his usual course of singing, preach- 
ing and praying, and also called upon a Baptist to pray, 
who immediately complied. Being informed that I was at 
liberty to offer anything I had to say; and having felt my 
mind exercised for the good of the people, I waited awhile 
in silence, and then, as I felt authorized, rose and offered 
some views for their consideration, which were of a prac- 
tical nature, and couched in as plain language as I could 
command. A good degree of solemnity was felt, and I 
was well satisfied that I had been there. 

At Culpepper Court-House we had a meeting, which 
was satisfactory to us, and although much pressed by the 
people to stay and hold another meeting, we concluded to 
proceed onward. 

In Madison Court-House we had an evening meeting, 
which the citizens generally attended, many of them bring- 
ing their chairs and lights with them. It proved to be a 
precious season of Divine favor. I began by observing 
that since we had been traveling through these parts, the 
main subject of conversation among all the people seemed 
to be the approaching election, which appeared to engross 



54 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

their whole attention ; but I found it my duty to proclaim 
among them an election of far more importance, in which 
they might themselves all become candidates for immor- 
tality. The books are now opened in which we are per- 
mitted to inscribe our names as candidates for a station 
among the sons and daughters of God. But in order to 
obtain this high honor, we must comply with the condi- 
tions of the law prescribed for our government. One of 
these conditions is that we must deny ourselves, take 
up our daily cross and follow Christ. This cross is the 
power of God operating on the soul, by which we may 
become crucified to the world and the world unto us. As 
we follow Christ in the regeneration, we shall become 
united to him and be members of his body, of his flesh 
and his bones, and constitute a part of that church of which 
Jesus Christ is the Head. We shall by this means make 
our calling and election sure, for the promise of election 
is unto the seed. "It is not unto seeds as of many, but 
unto thy seed, which is Christ ;" therefore as many as are 
united to Christ by being born again of the spirit, are 
elect and precious, and will obtain an inheritance with the 
saints in light. 

There was deep feeling manifested by some present, and 
the meeting ended well. 

Next morning, while preparing to start on our way, 
we were informed that many of the inhabitants wished us 
to stay and appoint another meeting, but we felt most easy 
to proceed, believing that our service was accomplished 
among them. 

At this place we became acquainted with James Carson, 
who had been many years a presiding elder among the 
Methodists. He expressed entire unity with us, and gave 
us a list of his friends in several places whither we were 



Memoirs ef Samuel Af. Janney* 55 

going, advising us to call on them and say that he wished 
them to assist us in procuring meetings. We found after- 
wards that his influence helped to open the way for us. 

At Orange Court-House I appointed a meeting, in which 
I was enabled to "labor in word and doctrine," but al- 
though there was some tenderness manifested, I fear it was 
confined to a few. 

At Charlottesville a Methodist minister offered us the use 
of their meeting-house, although they intended to hold a 
prayer-meeting there in the evening. He said they would 
give that up for the sake of our meeting. I appointed one 
accordingly, which was tolerably well attended, and among 
the audience were some of the students of the University. 
After a time of silent waiting, I found some ability to min- 
ister to them concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit, 
beginning with that sublime passage of Isaiah when he 
"saw the Lord high and lifted up and his train filled the 
temple.' ' He cried u Woe is me, for I am a man of un- 
clean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips, for 
mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.' ' Then 
flew an angel, and taking a live coal from the altar, touched 
his lips and said, " Now is thy iniquity taken away and thy 
sin purged.' ' This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and 
of fire, which can alone purify the heart from all defile- 
ment ; the same baptism that Jesus Christ still administers 
by his spiritual appearance in the hearts of all who are 
willing to receive him and give up their souls without 
reserve to his government. The influence of this Spirit 
will always be seen in the good fruits produced, for it will 
make the followers of Christ as lights in the world, as "a 
city set upon a hill, that cannot be hid." The Metho- 
dist minister was in attendance, and offered the house for 
another meeting, but I felt no authority to appoint one at 
that time. 



56 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

At Waynesville we had a crowded meeting in the Acad- 
emy. It was a precious season, in which the baptizing 
power of Divine Truth was felt, and I was thankful to the 
Author of all good. 

We arrived at Staunton on Seventh-day morning, 5th 
mo. 1 st, and it being a time of military parade, we could 
not obtain a meeting until night. It was held in the 
Methodist meeting-house, and well attended. The subject 
of spiritual worship was opened to them briefly, and then 
the nature of the new birth, showing that it proceeds from 
the dominion of God being established in the soul, by 
which man may become a partaker of the Divine nature. 

I did not feel clear of the place without further labor, 
and the same house being offered, I appointed another 
meeting to be held on First day at 11 o'clock. 

It was well attended, and the principal subject treated 
of was the effect of the gospel dispensation, when fully 
submitted to, in promoting peace on earth and good will 
to men, destroying the enmity in the heart, thereby en- 
abling the disciples of Christ to bear a testimony against 
all war and injustice, and all oppression of our fellow-men. 

On First-day afternoon we came to Port Republic, and 
held a meeting there at night, in which I was led to set 
forth the nature of the new-covenant dispensation ; showing 
that it leads out of all strife and contention, puts an end 
to war and bloodshed, and when fully submitted to, ends 
in Christian perfection, which consists in entire obedience 
to the law of God as manifested in the soul. 

On Second -day morning we came one and a half miles 
to Weyer's Cave, and spent about two hours in viewing 
that wonderful display of Divine power. 

We then traveled fifteen miles to Harrisonburg, and held 
a meeting at night in the Masonic Hall, which was crowded. 
It proved to be a good meeting, being favored with the 
overshadowing wing of Divine goodness. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 57 

We held one meeting in a school-house at Columbia 
Iron Works, and one in a private house at Winchester, after 
which we returned to our homes with thankful hearts. 

During this short journey I passed through much reli- 
gious exercise and sometimes mental suffering, but was 
amply rewarded with peace of mind in the assurance of 
Divine favor. 

In the summer and autumn of this year I passed through 
many seasons of discouragement, in one of which I made 
the following memorandum, dated nth mo. 21st, 1841 : — 

" To-day I went to meeting in much gloom, having for 
sometime past suffered great anxiety about my temporal 
affairs, under an apprehension that I may not be able to 
meet my engagements, and may thus bring reproach upon 
the holy cause that I have publicly espoused. Through 
the adorable mercy of the great Head of the Church, I 
have obtained some comfort and consolation, and am 
determined to trust Him to the end. The language of the 
blessed Jesus to his disciples was livingly brought before 
the view of my mind : i If ye had faith as a grain of mus- 
tard seed, ye should say to this mountain, be thou removed 
and cast into the sea, and it should be done.' He gave 
me faith to pray for the removal from my mind of the bur- 
den of care that oppressed me, and it was so removed that 
my thoughts were centered upon Him, and the world with 
all its concerns was shut out from my view. The language 
of John the Baptist was then brought before me : ' There 
standeth one among you the latchet of whose shoes I am 
not worthy to stoop down and unloose : he shall baptize 
you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. , Although, like 
the Baptist, I felt myself unworthy to be his servant or 
minister, I was enabled to bear testimony to the living 



58 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 

presence of Him who is always with us, and is able to 
baptize us with the Holy Spirit, if we are only willing to 
submit to his government." 

On the 14th of the 1st month, 1842, my father, Abijah 
Janney, departed this life, in the 67th year of his age. I 
went to his funeral in Alexandria, which was a season 
of deep solemnity, being attended by a large number of 
Friends and neighbors. His interment was on the first 
day of the week, and in the meeting for worship our 
friend William Stabler spoke, in a very feeling manner, of 
the loss we had sustained, and expressed his sympathy. 

My father occupied the station of an Elder in the Soci- 
ety of Friends, and was universally beloved wherever he 
was known. His unblemished character, his meekness 
and patience, his benevolence and urbanity, made him a 
welcome visitor in every family of his acquaintance.. He 
expressed his entire resignation to the Divine will, and not 
a murmur escaped his lips during his illness. I felt com- 
forted in believing that, having fought the good fight and 
kept the faith, he has received the crown of righteousness 
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give unto all 
those who love his appearing. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Visits some meetings within the limits of Indiana Yearly meeting — 
Endeavors to heal dissensions there — Writes an Epistle to Friends 
in the State of Ohio. 

1844. 

In the year 1844 I visited some of the meetings of 
Friends in Ohio, belonging to Indiana Yearly Meeting. 
My principal concern was to endeavor to heal the dissen- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 59 

sions that unhappily prevailed, and which had caused a 
separation in Green Plain Quarterly Meeting. The anti- 
slavery movement and agitation gave rise to dissension 
among Friends, in consequence of some members being 
exceedingly active in the measures pursued by the Aboli- 
tionists ; while others, more conservative, were unwilling 
to join in the movement and were opposed to their meet- 
ing houses being opened for abolition lectures. The con- 
servative members were sincerely opposed to slavery and 
usually bore their testimony against it in a quiet way, but 
they generally took no part in the concealment and 
transportation to Canada of fugitive slaves, very many of 
whom passed through Ohio and were helped on their way 
by the Abolitionists. 

This difference of sentiment and action caused some 
solicitude for several years, and at length was brought to a 
crisis by a " Disclaimer M or protest issued by some of the 
Abolition Friends against certain expressions, condemning 
their proceedings uttered by a ministering Friend. This 
Disclaimer, being considered by the conservative class of 
Friends, a breach of the good order prescribed in the book 
of Discipline, the Representative committee of Indiana 
took up the case, and forwarded it to the Yearly Meeting. 
I inquired of one of the Friends concerned in taking up the 
case, whether there was any private dealing with the Dis- 
claimers before their case was taken to the meeting. He 
said, that he and another Friend went to Green Plain and 
saw two of them who made concessions, but he thought 
something of a more public nature was required. There 
were upwards of forty Friends who signed the Dis- 
laimer. 

Indiana Yearly Meeting appointed a committee to attend 
Green Plain Quarterly Meeting and labor for its help and 



60 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

encouragement in the truth. Their labors were unavailing, 
and at the following Yearly Meeting another committee 
was appointed who attended several of the subordinate 
meetings and endeavored to get an acknowledgement from 
them, but without success. They reported to the next 
Yearly Meeting that their labors were unavailing. The 
Yearly Meeting then directed that Green Plain Quarterly 
Meeting should be laid down and the members attached to 
Miami Quarter ; and a committee was appointed to carry 
this decision into effect. When this committee appeared 
at Green Plain Quarterly Meeting in the Fall of 1843, m 
order to lay it down, the anti-slavery Friends composing by 
far the larger part of the meeting, refused to comply, 
alleging that it was not done in unity at the Yearly Meeting 
and that a Quarterly Meeting could not be laid down 
without its own consent. The committee then advised 
the few conservative Friends who concurred with the 
Yearly Meeting's decision, to withdraw and set up a meet- 
ing for worship and a Monthly Meeting at a private house, 
which they did, and attached themselves to Miami Quar- 
terly Meeting. 

The anti- slavery Friends still kept up their Monthly and 
Quarterly Meetings at Green Plain. 

Such was the state of things among them in the spring 
of 1844, when accompanied by my friend Isaac Nichols, I 
visited those meetings. The first one we attended was 
Miami Quarterly Meeting, held at Waynesville, Ohio. It 
was a large assembly, and during the meeting for worship, 
I was led to open the subject of Church government and 
Christian discipline as taught by the Divine Master. After 
glancing at the history of the Church in its declension 
and tne revival of primitive Christianity in the rise and 
progress of the Society of Friends, I endeavored to show 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 61 

that our code of discipline was founded upon the funda- 
mental principle of Christianity, which is the indwelling of 
Christ, or the Divine Power in his people, and that it pla- 
ces us all upon equality as to our privileges, every member 
being at liberty to express his views and sentiments, and 
the meeting being gathered under the influence of Divine 
love, adopts those views which meet the witness for God 
in every heart. It sometimes pleases the head of the 
Church, to open subjects to the younger members who 
are watchful and obedient, but whether they come from 
young or old, if expressed in tenderness and accompanied 
by the Divine unction, they usually gain the assent of all. 
Thus the Church may be preserved in harmony, under the 
controlling influence of Divine love. In the meeting for 
discipline, I was concerned to proceed further, in exposi- 
tion of our mode of Church government, showing the ad- 
vantages to be derived from meetings of ministers and 
elders, when held in the authority of truth. When minis- 
ters deviate from their duty, in the exercise of their gifts, 
through unwatchfulness or any other cause, it is the duty 
of the ministers and elders, to counsel them tenderly and 
privately, in order that their service in the Church may 
not be impaired. If after patient labor, they cannot be 
brought to a sense of their deviation, the case may then 
be brought before the Monthly Meeting, which is the 
executive branch of the Society. 

When the minutes of die last Quarterly Meeting were 
read, it appeared that a committee appointed in the Eleventh 
month, to visit the Monthly Meetings, reported in the Se- 
cond month ensuing, and stated in substance, that four 
ministers had lost their usefulness as ministers and proposed 
that they should no longer be considered as such. 

This report was agreed to by the Quarterly Meeting, 



62 Memoii's of Samuel M. Janney. 

thus cutting off the privileges of four recorded ministers, 
without private labor, and without any action on the part 
of the meeting of ministers and elders. 

I requested that the rules of Discipline relating to 
ministers might be read, which was done, and I then 
pointed out the mistake made by the Quarterly Meeting, 
for it has no jurisdiction in such cases, until they come up 
by appeal from a Monthly Meeting. After a season of deep 
exercise, and free expression, the meeting very generally 
coincided with my views, and it was agreed to make a 
minute rescinding the decision of the last Quarterly Meet- 
ing, in relation to those ministers. The Christian spirit 
manifested by most of those who spoke, and the final ac- 
tion of the meeting, were very satisfactory and encouraging 
to me. During the discussion I informed them of my pro- 
spect of visiting the families of Friends at Green Plain, 
without distinction of parties, in order, if possible, to pro- 
mote a reconciliation, and several who spoke, en- 
couraged me to do so. 

On reaching Green Plain we attended the meeting held 
at Abel Walker's on First-day morning,and had an appointed 
meeting in the afternoon in the old meeting house. In 
the latter, I was led to call the attention of Friends to the 
only foundation on which the Church can be established, 
which is Christ, or the revelation of Divine power in the 
soul, and if any man build upon this foundation, his build- 
ing must be of heavenly materials, that is to say, those 
principles of righteousness which are " the fruits of the 
spirit," but if we build of earthly materials, "wood, hay 
or stubble," our work will be " tried by fire." The meet- 
ing was solemn, and I thought favored with a sense of 
the Divine presence, 

During the week we visited a number of families of 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 63 

Friends, engaging with them in Divine worship, and seek- 
ing counsel of the Lord. Our visits were well received, 
and in some families there was much tenderness of spirit. 

On Seventh day a conference or convention of anti- 
slavery Friends was held at Green Plain meeting-house, 
which we attended. This meeting had been announced 
some months before, and was intended for consultation 
concerning the difficulties at Green Plain, and to consider 
what course should be pursued. The invitation was ex- 
tended to Friends at a distance, and the object being con- 
sistent with the main purpose of our visit, we felt it our 
duty to attend. 

After the meeting had sat in silence a considerabl^tirne, 
a member arose and stated the object of the conference, 
inviting all present to express their sentiments. Although 
much good feeling was manifested by most of those who 
spoke, it was to me a season of much painful exercise of 
mind. I found it my duty to tell them frankly that I dis- 
approved of the " Disclaimer/ ' and considered such pro- 
ceedings calculated to lay waste the order and harmony of 
the Society, although I entirely acquitted them of any 
intention to produce such results. Friends are amenable to 
their meetings at home, and it is not proper for others at 
a distance to take up such cases on report, without giving 
the parties complained of an opportunity to be heard in 
their own defence. One friend acknowledged that it had 
been done in heat and in haste, and he regretted it. Sev- 
eral expressed their approbation of the spirit in which we 
came among them, and said they could make almost any 
concession to the spirit of love, but none to the spirit of 
domination. 

I urged the necessity of submitting to the judgment of 
the Yearly Meeting, by laying down their Quarterly Meet- 



64 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

ing ; for although they thought the case a hard one, there 
appeared to be no other way to produce a reconciliation, 
and it is our duty in some cases to suffer for the promotion 
of harmony, and even to " lay down our lives for the 
brethren." 

Several of them united with my views, but the general 
sentiment was in favor of addressing a memorial to the 
Yearly Meeting, stating their objections to its decision, 
and asking for a reconsideration. It was at last concluded 
to appoint a committee for this purpose, and we were 
requested to meet with them. I expressed my willingness 
to do so, but stated that I had no hope of any good being 
effected by such an address. 

In the morning we met at Joseph A. Dugdale's, who, 
being one of the committee, had drawn up an address to the 
Yearly Meeting agreeably to what he considered the con- 
clusion of the conference, but he was not satisfied with it, 
and said that his mind, after a severe struggle, had under- 
gone a change, and he was now prepared to surrender the 
whole power to the Yearly Meeting by submitting to its 
decision. Very unexpectedly to us, the rest of the com- 
mittee came into his views, and by their request he drafted 
another report, which they adopted. This report, ad- 
dressed to the Yearly Meeting, stated in substance, that 
although they had continued to keep up their Quarterly 
Meeting in contravention of the decision recorded in the 
minutes of the Yearly Meeting, and that they considered 
it a settled axiom among Friends during the time of the 
separation in 1826-7, that a Quarterly Meeting could not 
be laid down without its own consent ; yet being desirous 
to restore peace, they were willing to submit, by yielding 
up their books and papers, and laying down their meeting; 
and inasmuch as the " Disclaimer" has been construed into 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 65 

a personal attack, they regret it, but their real object was 
to place themselves in their true attitude before the public 
in regard to the statements therein contained ; and they 
concluded by desiring that measures might be pursued to 
bury the remembrance of past differences and strengthen 
the bond of union without impairing their Christian lib- 
erty in supporting their testimonies. 

In the afternoon of First day the convention again 
met, and this report being presented, it was approved by 
some, and objected to by others; but at length it was con- 
cluded to refer it to Green Plain Quarterly Meeting, 
which was to be held the next day. 

Feeling my mind clear, and having fully discharged my 
duty, I concluded to leave them and proceed on my way, 
after having requested a friend to inform me of the ac- 
tion of the Quarterly Meeting. 

At Cincinnati I received a letter from him as follows, 
to wit: — 

" After the usual business on Second day was gone 
through, the subject referred to was introduced and first 
laid before the women's meeting, by their request, who 
reported that they could not, at that time, unite in for- 
warding it to Miami Quarter in that shape, with which 
our side of the partition (the men's meeting) mostly 
united. 

" Seeing that it could not pass the meeting in that shape, 
it was proposed to strike out that part which refers to the 
disclaimer, and consequently submit to the meeting being 
laid down, thus leaving each member at liberty as regards 
his connection with the Yearly Meeting, which was mostly 
united with ; but it finally resulted in referring the whole 
matter to the care of a committee, who are to report in 
the Eighth month next. From the manifestation of feeling 



66 Memoirs of Samuel Af. Janney. 

evinced, it is* evident that there is an increasing unwilling- 
ness to sever their connection with the Society, and from 
the present aspect of things I should think most likely that, 
in the Eighth month next, the Quarter will be laid down." 

The result anticipated was not realized, the reconcilia- 
tion I hoped and labored for was not effected, but I re- 
turned home with the reward of peace, feeling that I 
had made a sincere and earnest effort to restore harmony 
among Friends that I loved. 

The result was a schism in that meeting, a considerable 
number of families resigned or were disowned, and they 
organized another Society under the name of Progressive 
Friends. Soon after my return home, I wrote "An Epis- 
tle to the Members of the Society of Friends in the State 
of Ohio. ,, It was read in Ohio Yearly Meeting, held at 
Mount Pleasant in 1844, and being satisfactory, was printed 
in connection with its minutes. A copy is here subjoined. 

" EPISTLE. 

" Dear Friends : — Having been called, as I believe, to 
labor among you in the love of the gospel> I feel an en- 
gagement to lay before you, in the form of an epistle, 
some views that have been deeply impressed upon my mind, 
concerning the administration of our Discipline and the 
support of our testimonies. The objects of religious asso- 
ciation are to strengthen the bonds of love, to encourage 
to good works, to support the weak, to comfort the mourn- 
ers, to watch over one another for good, and to reclaim 
those who have gone out of the way. In order to attain 
these ends, some rules and regulations pointing out the 
order of proceeding are obviously necessary, and have 
been found conducive to the harmony and welfare of Soci- 



Me?noirs of Samuel M. Janney. 67 

ety. It was evidently the intention of the Divine Master 
that discipline should be exercised in His church, which is 
clearly shown by the directio ns he has given in relation to 
dealing with offenders : i If thy brother shall trespass against 
thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : 
if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother, but if he 
will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in 
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be 
established : and if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it 
unto the church ; but if he shall neglect to hear the church, 
let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. 
Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, 
shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye shall loose on 
earth shall be loosed in heaven.' Matt, xviii. 15, 18. In 
the Introduction to the Discipline of the Society of Friends, 
this passage has been justly laid down as the rule for deal- 
ing with offenders ; and I conceive that in all cases what- 
soever it is imperative upon members, concerned in the 
exercise of discipline, to extend private labor, before the 
case of an offender is taken up by any of our meetings for 
discipline. The first object of Christian care, in such 
cases, is to reclaim and restore. It is true that the reputa- 
tion of Society is an important object, but the only effec- 
tual way to preserve this, is to act under the influence of 
that meek and humble spirit which would induce us to 
stoop down, and wash the feet of those who have gone out 
of the way. ' If I, your Lord and Master/ said the blessed 
Jesus, ' have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one 
another's feet.' ' Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a 
fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the 
spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be 
tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil 
the law of Christ.' Gal. vi. 1. If this private labor prove 



68 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

unavailing, the case must then be reported to the church, 
and the next question that arises is, how shall the judg- 
ment of the church be arrived at ? There are cases fre- 
quently occurring in which members do not see ' eye to 
eye/ and therefore there will often be a diversity of senti- 
ment ; yet the church is represented as one body having 
many members of which Jesus Christ is the head ; or as 
one temple composed of living stones built up ' for an 
habitation of God through the spirit/ 

"A church thus united cannot act upon the principle of 
political bodies where a majority governs, and it is still 
more objectionable for a minority to assume the right to 
govern. The only way to preserve ' the unity of the spirit 
in the bond of peace/ is for every member in our meetings 
for discipline to draw nigh to the fountain of life and love 
in order to ' ask wisdom of God, that giveth to all men 
liberally and upbraideth not.' James i. 5. While waiting 
upon Him in this frame of mind, each member is at liberty, 
as way opens, to express his views with meekness, and if 
they proceed from the pure openings of the spirit of truth, 
they will meet the witness for truth in other minds, and, 
being responded to, will prevail over the meeting. 

" Thus by abiding in patience, under a solemn covering 
of Divine life, the members will gradually come to see 
nearly alike, and those who have expressed different sen- 
timents will submit until the clerk (who is the servant of 
the meeting) may be enabled to record the united judg- 
ment of the body. When discipline cannot be exercised 
in this manner, it is better to stand still ; for if unity and 
love do not prevail, it is an evidence that the Spirit of 
Christ does not sanction our proceedings, and like the 
Israelites of old we should be careful not to move forward 
so long as the cloud rests upon the tabernacle, i whether 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 69 

it be two days, or a month, or a year/ Numb. ix. 22. We 
have in the Acts of the Apostles (chap, xv.) an instructive 
example showing that discipline was formed and thus ad- 
ministered in the primitive church. It appears that some 
of the Jews wished to impose upon the Gentile converts 
the rite of circumcision, and the observance of the Mosaic 
law, which occasioned a controversy that was referred to 
the church at Jerusalem. In the meeting convened to 
consider this matter, although there was at first a diversity 
of sentiments and 'much disputing,' yet when James, 
through the influence of the Spirit of Christ, gave a true 
judgment, it reached the witness for truth in other minds* 
and being united with by all, they were enabled to say 
they were assembled 'with one accord, and this command- 
ment ' seems good to the Holy Ghost and to us.' It may 
be truly said, in relation to the judgment of the church 
when thus arrived at, ' whatsoever ye shall bind on earth 
shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye shall loose on 
earth shall be loosed in heaven.' 

"Let us apply this to the case of dealing with offenders, 
which is one of the most important and responsible of all 
the concerns that claim the attention of the church. After 
private labor has been bestowed in the spirit of meekness, 
and the case is reported to a meeting of discipline, it be- 
comes the duty of that body to bestow further labor by the 
appointment of a committee to visit the offender. Here a 
watchful care should be observed to appoint such as we 
believe are best calculated to reclaim the delinquent by 
going in the spirit of meekness and love. If we send such 
as are harsh and rigid, or who are known to be inimical to 
the offender, the labor of love is obstructed, and the main 
purpose of discipline frustrated. 



70 Memoirs of Samue/ M. Janney. 

"But if after patient dealing, the transgressor of the 
Divine law cannot be reclaimed, it becomes the solemn 
duty of the church to testify that he is separated from our 
communion, as by transgression he has separated himself 
from the communion of Christ. The exercise of this power 
involves an awful responsibility; for if it should become 
a practice with us to issue testimonies of disownment against 
persons that we cannot conscientiously say have broken 
the Divine law, we shall introduce weakness into the body, 
and may bring our testimonies into contempt. 

" The Discipline established in the Society of Friends is, 
in my estimation, far superior to any other that I am ac- 
quainted with, and when administered in a Christian spirit, 
is calculated to preserve the harmony of Society and pro- 
mote the cause of truth. But I believe that it was the 
intention of the Divine mind that society should be pro- 
gressive. We are not to sit down at ease resting upon the 
labors of our fathers; for every generation has its own 
work to do in order that the testimonies of Truth may be 
advanced in the world. The history of our Society proves 
this important truth. Although George Fox and his coad- 
jutors saw far beyond most of their cotemporaries, and 
were concerned to bear a faithful testimony against oaths, 
war, and a hireling ministry, as well as many other evils 
then prevailing in the world, it was reserved for another 
generation to advance a testimony against slavery, and the 
improper use of ardent spirits. When a few faithful Friends 
began to preach and write against these enormous evils, a 
considerable number of the members were in the practice 
of them, and there was nothing in the discipline to bring 
them under censure. The first laborers in this righteous 
cause stood almost alone with a host of prejudices arrayed 
against them, but they placed their confidence in the arm 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 71 

of Divine power, bearing their testimony with undaunted 
firmness, yet in meekness and patience, until other faithful 
minds were convinced of the justice of their cause, and 
the concern spread from heart to heart, and from meeting 
to. meeting, until the main body of the Society was pre- 
pared to adopt their views and change the discipline. But 
this was a slow process, for it required nearly eighty years 
from the time the concern on the subject of slavery was 
first introduced until it was finally accomplished. Behold 
the meekness and patience of these faithful laborers ! They 
sowed the seed, but it was reserved for another generation 
to gather the fruit. Yet they received their reward, al- 
though the work was not accomplished in their day; for 
they had the return of peace in their own bosoms. We 
may here observe the beautiful adaptation of our disci- 
pline and church government to the progressive nature of 
man. Every member of the Society of Friends, male and 
female, has a right to be heard in our meetings for disci- 
pline : for in this respect we all stand upon one platform. 
If a member believes it his duty to propose an alteration 
of the discipline, he is at liberty to lay it before the Monthly 
Meeting, and if it receive the approbation of that meeting, 
it may be forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting, and from 
thence to the Yearly Meeting, where, if it be fully united 
with, it is entered on the records, and information of its 
adoption sent down to all the inferior meetings. It has 
seldom, if ever happened, that any change has been agreed 
to when first proposed ; but if it be a right concern, it may 
be again and again brought forward until it takes hold upon 
other minds ; for ' Truth is mighty and will prevail.' 

"It is not to be expected that a large body of men and 
women should at once see the propriety of altering an in- 
strument that has received the sanction of our venerated 



72 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

ancestors. Alterations are not always amendments, and 
even when a real improvement is proposed, there will be 
found, in every religious body, a considerable number of 
minds who act upon the conservative principle, and cannot 
see the necessity for any change, when first announced, 
however salutary it may appear to the ardent tempers who 
are for pushing forward the work of reformation. It is 
difficult for these two classes of minds to have sufficient 
patience with each other ; but we should always bear in 
mind that both of these are conducive to the welfare of 
society, when kept under the restraining influence of Divine 
love. The ardor of the one, and the calm, deliberate pru- 
dence of the other, are both essential to the advancement 
and safety of the body. If we compare this feature of our 
church government with the discipline of other religious 
bodies, we shall perceive its vast superiority. In all others 
that I am acquainted with, the clergy have an undue share 
in the formation and administration of discipline. We 
know that the tendency of power in all governments, and 
especially in ecclesiastical bodies, is to concentrate itself 
in a few hands, and the consequence has been that almost 
every reform, being resisted by those who had the power 
in their hands, has failed in the attempt, or been accom- 
plished by means of a revolution in society. The dissen- 
tions thus produced have greatly increased the number of 
religious sects, and in many cases have been as stumbling- 
blocks in the way of honest inquirers. The unity and har- 
mony of Society may be equally impaired by a positive 
determination to stand stilt, or an eager desire to go for- 
ward. We should, like the patriarch Jacob, endeavor to 
move onward and yet be willing to wait for the hindmost 
of the flock. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 73 

" There is no part of our religious concerns in which 
these considerations are more important than in supporting 
our righteous testimony against slavery. If, on the one 
hand, we are not watchful, we may fall into the dangerous 
error of endeavoring to palliate or excuse this system of 
iniquity by pleading the cause of the oppressor, instead of 
being as a mouth for the dumb ; and if, on the other hand, 
we allow ourselves to become too much excited by dwell- 
ing upon the harrowing scenes of cruelty enacted in our 
land by those who make merchandise of the bodies and 
souls of men, we may be introduced into a state of feeling 
that will lead to rash deeds and intemperate language, un- 
becoming the meekness of a disciple of Christ. Where the 
destinies of millions of our fellow-creatures are at stake, 
where the highest interests of humanity are disregarded, 
and the most sacred rights invaded, it is difficult to restrain 
the feelings of indignation that swell within the breast ; 
but I am fully persuaded that a calm, temperate, and yet 
decided bearing, will have the most salutary influence in 
promoting the great cause of universal emancipation. Our 
predecessors in the Society of Friends have, by their faith- 
fulness, placed us in a situation to bear this testimony with 
peculiar effect in some of the slave-holding States, where 
the purity of their lives and their fearless devotion to the 
cause of truth gained for them the confidence and esteem 
of all. 

" After liberating their slaves, and in many cases paying 
them for their services performed while in bondage, they 
felt concerned to encourage others to pursue a line of con- 
duct which had been so conducive to their own peace and 
to the welfare of society. Their efforts were stimulated by 
active benevolence and tempered with that lamb-like spirit 
which i takes its kingdom by entreaty and keeps it by low- 
liness of mind.' 



74 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

"It was in this way that Woolman, Benezet, Mifflin, 
and Lindley labored in this righteous cause. They not 
only condemned slavery in their public discourses and in 
their conversations with slaveholders, but they wrote and 
circulated numerous publications calculated to throw light 
upon the subject, and they petitioned Congress and the 
Legislatures of the several States to obtain relief for the 
oppressed and freedom for the enslaved. James Pember- 
ton, whose memoirs are published in "Comly's Miscel- 
lany," voL 7, page 80, was another eminent laborer in the 
cause, and a worthy Elder in the Society. 

" In the year 1774 he was among the first of those phi- 
lanthropists who, as Clarkson says, ' undertook the impor- 
tant task of bringing those into a Society who were friendly 
to this cause, and who succeeded in establishing " the Penn- 
sylvania Society for promoting the abolition of slavery, the 
relief of free negroes unlawfully held in bondage, and for 
improving the condition of the African race." He filled 
several important offices in the Society, and continued a 
member thereof until his decease.' 

"This Association, and others of a kindred nature, 
were instrumental in promoting the abolition of slavery in 
some of the Northern and Middle States. A similar Soci- 
ety, composed of Friends and others, was instituted in 
Baltimore in the year 1789, and continued in existence 
more than thirty years, which was highly useful in protect- 
ing the free people of color, and delivering many that 
were illegally held in bondage. I 'mention these facts in 
order to show that, in the earlier days of our Society, the 
mere circumstance of Friends uniting or 'mixing* with 
others in benevolent or philanthropic organizations, was 
not considered a breach of order. The main point to be 
observed in such cases is, whether the objects of these 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 75 

associations and their mode of action are consistent with 
our religious principles. It may happen that when the 
object itself is good, the means used to promote it are 
incompatible with some of our other testimonies. In such 
cases it would be better to bear our testimony alone and 
in our own way, without interfering with the action of 
others who may be equally sincere with ourselves. 

" There are many associations in this country ftaving for 
their object the abolition of slavery, some of which are of 
a local character, and, for aught I know, may be conducted 
in a manner consistent with our religious principles. But 
the main body of the abolitionists are now divided into two 
great parties, called the Liberty Party, and the American- 
Anti-Slavery Society. The first of these is a political 
party seeking to elevate anti-slavery candidates to the 
State and Federal governments; the other relies upon 
moral suasion, and has recently proclaimed, at its anniver- 
sary meeting in New York, that ' the dissolution of the Fed- 
eral Union is one of the principal objects to be aimed at 
as a means of abolishing slavery. ' This measure I cannot 
sanction. The Constitution of the United States, so far 
as it upholds slavery, ought to be amended, but not de- 
stroyed ; for if we let go our hold upon this anchor, we 
know not where the vessel of state may be carried by the 
tumultuous waves of party spirit. Anarchy and confusion 
may ensue, and then, when it is too late, we may have to 
weep over the wreck that our own hands have made. 

" In the present aspect of affairs we should look well to 
our steps before we become active members of any polit- 
ical party ; for I apprehend that none of them are con- 
ducted upon our principles. We profess to be the follow- 
ers of a Saviour who proclaims ' liberty to the captive and 
the opening of the prison to them that are bound;' and 



76 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

although, like him, we must render unto Caesar the things 
that are Caesar's, it should be our main purpose to use all 
our influence in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom and 
thus extending the blessings of civil and religious liberty. 
" There is for us an abundant field of labor in the anti- 
slavery cause, without joining either of the two prominent 
abolition parties. The condition of the free colored people 
requires our sympathy and aid ; the laws even of the free 
States are unjust and oppressive towards them; and our 
influence might be exerted in promoting their amelioration. 
There is also a vast amount of prejudice, both in the free 
and slave States, against emancipation without removal, 
•which we might be instrumental in dispelling by circulat- 
ing information concerning its happy effects in other coun- 
tries, and especially in the British West Indies, where it is 
proved by experience that the abolition of slavery has been 
highly beneficial to both the master and the slave. By 
laboring in these departments we can advance the great 
cause without compromising any of our other testimonies ; 
and we should at the same time be careful not to judge 
harshly of others who believe they are called to take an 
active part in societies for promoting the same object. 
Many who are thus engaged are actuated by pure motives 
and benevolent feelings ; and although they follow not us, 
if they cast out devils in the name of Christ, we should 
not forbid them, 'for he that is not against us is on our 
part.' Mark ix. 40. I am far from believing that the cause 
of emancipation is retrograding ; the moral influence of a 
large part of Christendom exerted in its favor begins to be 
felt, and I believe the day is not distant when the arm ot 
Divine Providence will be displayed in the peaceful deliv- 
erance of the many thousands who are now held in bon- 
dage. An impression seems to prevail with some that the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 77 

Society of Friends, as a body, is a pro-slavery Society ; 
and this epithet has perhaps been applied to us even by 
some of our own members. This is a mistake which 
ought to be corrected. It should be borne in mind that 
ours is the only religious society in slaveholding States that 
bears a testimony against slavery — the only one that, in 
this respect, does not bow the knee to Baal nor kiss his 
image. 

" Our ancestors placed the light upon the candlestick, 
and although it has sometimes shone but dimly for w T ant of 
faithful laborers to trim it, yet it has never become extin- 
guished, but has been the means of imparting light to 
others as well as illuminating our own household. After 
having advanced so far as to amend our discipline and 
become clear of slaveholding among ourselves, is it not 
surprising that the agitation of this question should pro- 
duce dissension and division among us? This state of 
things must proceed from a want of charity or Divine love, 
which is the keystone of all the Christian virtues. In some 
things we cannot all see alike, and the only way to secure 
peace and harmony is to extend that toleration to others 
which we desire for ourselves. 

" While we keep under the influence of a truly Christian 
spirit, we shall feel bound to place the best construction 
upon the language and conduct of our brethren, although 
we may not unite with them in all their views nor approve 
of all their measures. 

"We should exercise great forbearance towards those 
whose life and conversation show that they are actuated 
by a sincere desire for the promotion of human happiness. 
If in some things they deviate from our established order 
through an earnest zeal in supporting one of our most 
prominent testimonies, let us bear in mind that their case is 



78 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

very different from those whose hearts are engrossed by the 
love of the world, or who transgress our discipline by acts 
of immorality. 

" When Peter, through excessive zeal, smote off the ear 
of the high priest's servant, Jesus reproved him, but did 
not cast him off; and when, in a season of weakness, he 
soon after denied his Master, ' the Lord turned and looked 
upon him/ and that look, full of love and tenderness, so 
wrought upon his feelings that ' he went out and wept 
bitterly.' 

" Oh ! that the spirit of the meek and lowly Jesus might 
prevail in our hearts, and bear rule in our assemblies; for 
' a bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax shall 
he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory.' 
Matt. xii. 20. 

The incident to which I have just alluded in the life of 
a devoted Apostle, is one among the many evidences we 
have that even those who have made some progress in the 
knowledge of Divine things are liable, if not continually 
watchful, to yield to temptation and fall into error. It is 
true that Peter had not then become fully acquainted with 
the spiritual nature of the Redeemer's kingdom, but it 
appears that long afterwards, and on another occasion, 
1 Paul withstood him to the face because he was to be 
blamed.' Gal. ii. xi. How important it is that we who 
stand in the station of ministers of the gospel, should be 
vigilant over our spirits, and that our brethren and sisters 
in profession should watch over us for good, in order to 
correct our faults, and not for evil in order to report them 
to the world. We are no less liable to error than other 
members who are equally devoted to the cause of truth, 
and in some respects have peculiar temptations from which 
others are exempted. One of these is found in the dispo- 



Memoirs of Samuel M, Janney. 79 

sition so often manifested by weak and inexperienced 
minds to applaud our religious services, especially when a 
discourse is extended to considerable length, and conveyed 
in appropriate language. These novices have yet to learn 
that fluency of speech and beauty of expression furnish no 
test of gospel ministry ; for although it may be conveyed 
in 'the words which man's wisdom teacheth/ if it be not 
in the demonstration of the spirit and of power/ it is 
utterly worthless in the Divine sight. We should remem- 
ber the apostolic injunction, ' As every man hath received 
the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good 
stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, 
let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister, 
let him do it as of the ability which God giveth : that God 
in all things maybe glorified. ' 1 Pet. iv. 10, n. The 
ministry of the gospel is a Divine gift which no man nor 
body of men can confer nor take away. It must be re- 
ceived immediately from Him who is the 6 Shepherd and 
Bishop of souls/ and in order that it may be properly 
exercised, we must act in the name which signifies the 
power of Christ, for 'without me,' said he, 'ye can do 
nothing.' In order that ministers, when properly called 
and qualified, may be encouraged to occupy the talents 
entrusted to their care, and that, when they travel abroad 
in the service of the gospel, they may be recognized by 
other branches of the Society where they are personally 
strangers, it has been found best that the meeting to which 
they belong should acknowledge their gifts, after a suffi- 
cient time has been allowed to form a correct judgment. 
This acknowledgment or recommendation of a minister 
confers no pre-eminence that should elevate him in his own 
esteem, or excite the jealousy of others ; for it was said to 
the disciples, t One is your master, even Christ, and all ye 



80 Memoirs of Samuel M. Ja?iney. 

are brethren/ At an early period in the history of our 
Society, it became a practice to appoint two or more ex- 
perienced Friends of each sex to sit with ministers ; and 
hence originated the office of elders, which I believe also 
corresponds with the practice of the primitive church; 
for Paul and Barnabas, while in Asia Minor, ordained 
or appointed ' elders in every church,' and Titus was di- 
rected to do the same in every city of Crete. Acts xiv. 
23; Titus i. 5. 

"Paul, in addressing the elders of the church at Ephe- 
sus, said to them, ' Take heed to yourselves and to all the 
flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers/ 
(Acts xx. 28) ; and Peter exhorts the elders to " Feed the 
flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight there- 
of, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, 
but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's 
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.' 1 Peter v. 2. 
It appears that the term ' elder' was sometimes applied to 
ministers, for Peter calls himself an elder; but it may be 
inferred that this was not always the case, for Paul says, 
'Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of 
double honor, especially they who labor in word and doc- 
trine.' 1 Tim. v. 17. I conceive that the office of an elder 
is to watch with parental care over the whole flock, extend- 
ing a hand of help and a word of encouragement wherever 
it is needed. They are not only to sit with ministers, but 
to endeavor to sympathize with them in their religious 
exercises ; and when they perceive that a minister, through 
unwatchfulness or a desire of applause, runs into an excess 
of words without the life and unction of the gospel, or even 
if he fall into a habit of delivery unsuitable to the dignity 
of the subject, it is their duty, in a tender and affectionate 
manner, to extend suitable counsel. This may also be 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 81 

done by other members of the Society, male or female, 
who may feel it their duty ; but there is an obvious propri- 
ety in this duty being especially committed to discreet, 
experienced minds, such as elders ought to be ; for if it 
should become the subject of general remark, the minis- 
ter's usefulness would be impaired, his feelings might be 
wounded, and the harmony of Society endangered. In 
some meetings there is a jealousy or distrust of the elder- 
ship, which I sincerely regret, because I believe it was 
instituted under the guidance of Divine truth, and I am 
not aware that any change has taken place in the state of 
Society which renders it unnecessary. Like all other insti- 
tutions, it is liable to be abused when intrusted to improper 
hands, and has perhaps in some cases been made an engine 
of oppression ; but the same may be said of the ministry 
itself, which although a great blessing when preserved in 
purity, becomes the most terrible of all scourges when it 
falls into the hands of a mercenary or bigoted priesthood. 
We are admonished by the voice of history that the great- 
est encroachments upon religious liberty have been made 
by men who professed to be ministers of the gospel ; and 
although we have closed one of the principal avenues to 
corruption by withholding pecuniary compensation, yet it 
appears to me that the eldership should be preserved, if it 
is only as a check upon the power and influence of the 
ministry. The appointment of elders belongs to Monthly 
Meetings, and if unsuitable persons are chosen, the fault 
rests with them. The description which Paul has given of 
a good bishop will apply to ministers and elders, for the 
term bishop only means an overseer in spiritual things. 
He should be i blameless, vigilant, sober, given to hospi- 
tality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not 
greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, no brawler, not covet- 

6 



82 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

ous, one that ruleth well his own house ; not a novice ; and 
moreover, he must have a good report of them which are 
without.* i Tim. iii. The idea of perfect equality in all 
things which some persons appear to entertain, is one that 
I believe cannot be realized in practice. According to the 
parable of the talents (Matt. xxv. 15), it appears that 'to 
one servant he gave five, to another two, and to another 
one, to every man according to his several ability.* These 
talents may represent spiritual gifts, intellectual power, or 
temporal goods, which are dispensed to men in various 
proportions according to the will of the great Giver. Our 
happiness depends upon the use we make of them, and the 
man who has one or two talents may be as fully blest in 
occupying them, as he who has five talents. The vessel 
that holds one measure, when it is entirely filled, is as un- 
conscious of any deficiency as that which holds two or five 
measures. 

I* If we lived up to the principles we profess, the Chris- 
tian church would, for all practical purposes, enjoy a com- 
munity of goods, for the rich would consider themselves as 
stewards entrusted with the means of helping their breth- 
ren, and the gifted in spiritual things, so far from being as 
lords over God's heritage, would be as ensamples to the 
flock. If we are not prepared to carry out these principles 
as we are now situated, should we be any better prepared 
by retiring into other communities? It appears to me that 
the same passions and propensities which now disturb us 
would be manifested there. The desire of pre-eminence 
would actuate some, the love of ease would influence oth- 
ers, jealousy and detraction would sow the seeds of discord ; 
and where we expected to find a garden of Eden, we should 
be introduced into a wilderness filled with thorns. 

" The general aspect of Christendom at the present time 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 8$ 

is one of deep interest to the lover of mankind. It is a 
season of intense mental activity. How great is the con- 
flict of opinions ? how general the desire for discussion ! 
what a variety of new schemes are brought forward having 
for their ostensible object the promotion of human happi- 
ness ! Although many of these schemes will end in disap- 
pointment, and many pernicious doctrines are promulgated, 
I am far from being discouraged at the prospect before us, 
for I have entire confidence in the power of truth when 
left free to oppose the progress of error. This state of 
society is far preferable to that supine indifference which 
rests content without improvement, and sends forth no 
aspirations for the relief of suffering humanity. It is 
cheering to observe that many of the principles and testi- 
monies which were opened by the light of Divine truth to 
our faithful predecessors are now rapidly spreading in the 
world. There are multitudes, not in membership with us, 
who acknowledge and openly proclaim that war, slavery, 
and the use of intoxicating drinks, capital punishment, 
oaths, and a hireling ministry are inconsistent with Chris- 
tianity and subversive of human happiness. 

" Should not this consideration increase our confidence in 
our fundamental principle, the immediate revelation of Di- 
vine power in the human soul, as the only and all-sufficient 
means of salvation ; and should it not induce us to cherish 
in our hearts a deep attachment for a Society which has 
been so signally blest as an instrument of good to mankind ? 
But let us not depend upon the labors of our ancestors, 
like the Jews, who said, c We have Abraham for our father/ 
for such a reliance will lead us into dead formality, and 
then our portion will be given to others more worthy than 
we. There can be no doubt that the sincere and pious 
worshippers of all religious denominations are, equally 



84 Memoirs of Samuel M. . Janney. 

with ourselves, the objects of Divine favor ; for t as many 
as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.' 

"The founders of our Religious Society were a deep 
spiritually minded people. They did not discover the 
great truths they promulgated by mere discussion or a 
dependence upon their reasoning powers ; but they read 
diligently the Scriptures, and were often concerned to 
draw nigh unto God in the spirit of prayer, waiting upon 
Him to know his will and experience his guidance. 

"I rejoice in believing that there are among you many 
who earnestly desire the advancement of truth and right- 
eousness; but I fear there is, with some, too much dwell- 
ing upon the surface, and too great a desire to seek after 
new things. It is true the apostle recommends that we 
should ' prove all things and hold fast that which is good ;' 
but in connection with this he says, ' Pray without ceasing, 
and in everything give thanks; quench not the spirit, 
despise not prophesying, abstain from all appearance of 
evil/ i Thes. v. 17. In order to prove or examine im- 
portant questions, let us ask for Divine guidance and 
heavenly wisdom. Although the cultivation of the mind 
and the acquisition of knowledge are highly commendable, 
as being conducive to our happiness and usefulness in 
society, we should ever bear in mind, that that true wisdom 
which enables us to fulfil all the duties of this life x and 
prepares us for the next, is only to be attained by com- 
munion with the witness for God in our own souls. It is 
justly remarked by Cowper, that 

' Knowledge dwells 
In heads replete with thoughts of other men, 
Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. 
Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much, 
Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.' 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 85 

" Finally, my dear friends, let me revive in your remem- 
brance the exhortation of George Fox, to ' hold all your 
meetings in the power of God.' When we go into our 
meetings for discipline, as well as those for worship, we 
should endeavor to divest our minds of every improper 
bias, with a sincere desire to know and to do His will. If 
important questions are expected to come forward, it is 
highly improper to determine beforehand the course we 
will pursue, or to attempt, by any kind of private man- 
agement, to promote our own views. Such a proceeding 
would be a practical denial of our fundamental doctrine, 
and an effectual forestalling of the operation of the Spirit. 
On these solemn occasions there should be an opportunity 
afforded for every member to speak who wishes to relieve 
his mind ; and when we have expressed what a sense of 
duty requires, we should endeavor to divest ourselves of all 
anxiety about the result, placing our confidence in the arm 
of Divine power. There should be no personal reflections, 
nor sharp replies, but brotherly love and Divine charity 
should season all our communications, and thus we would 
be enabled to move onward harmoniously, ' endeavoring to 
preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.' 

" With fervent desires for your preservation and prosper- 
ity, I remain your friend. 

Samuel M. Janney. 

Springdale, Loudoun Co., Va., 7 mo. 1st, 1844." 



CHAPTER IX. 

1 844-' 46. 

He writes a series of articles upon Slavery — Letters to George Truman 
and Isaac T. Hopper — Letter to his uncle, Phineas Janney — Attends 
the Quarterly Meeting at Red Stone, in Pennsylvania — Enters into 
a canvass for free schools in Virginia — Goes to Richmond as dele- 
gate to an Educational Convention — Letter to a Slaveholder. 

Having been for many years deeply solicitous that meas- 
ures should be taken for the abolition of slavery, I con- 
cluded that I could do something for the cause by writing 
a series of essays showing the disastrous effects of slave- 
holding in my native State, and the superiority of free 
labor in promoting public prosperity and individual hap- 
piness. 

In the 1 2th month, 1844, I wrote to my valued friend 
George Truman, of Philadelphia, as follows: — 

" I am willing to labor in the cause, and being well acquainted 
with the temper of our citizens, and the prejudices they entertain, I 
think I can approach them better than a Northern man ; as they are 
more willing to hear a Virginian than a citizen of the Northern States. 
In order to circulate such essays as I have in view, funds are requi- 
site, and my circumstances are such that I cannot with propriety spare 
much in that way, as I am engaged in paying off old debts that will 
take many years of assiduous toil and frugality. My friends in this 
neighborhood have contributed when called upon to pay for my pub- 
lications, but I fear they will feel it burdensome if called upon too 
often. Now the question I have to ask thee is, whether there are not 
many Northern Friends who would be willing to assist me with funds 
in this concern? It appears to me that one hundred dollars per 
annum for a few years expended in this way, would do more than ten 
times the amount expended in the North. Only let a move be made 

(86) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 87 

here and responded to by the people of Western Virginia (who have 
already got up an anti-slavery party), and then the opposition at the 
North will give way. It appears to me that there will be less dissen- 
sion among the Society of Friends on this question, as soon as we 
prove to the lukewarm that the cause is advancing. One of the best 
methods at present is to insert anti-slavery pieces in the Southern 
papers and purchase a good many extra numbers of the papers for 
circulation. They pass better through the post-office than tracts." 

I occasionally corresponded with Isaac T. Hopper, who 
was extensively known as the protector of the fugitive 
slave, and the able advocate of universal emancipation. 
He was engaged many years in works of Christian charity, 
and to him I expressed my prospects in the following 
letter : 

Springdale, Loudoun Co., Va. 
1 2th mo. 15th, 1844. 
Isaac T. Hopper: 

" Esteemed Friend : — Thy acceptable letter of 25th ult. has been 
received, and the bundle of books also came to hand, for which please 
accept my thanks. I was sorry to hear of thy long confinement from 
indisposition, but hope thou art, before this, sufficiently recovered to 
resume thy labors in the cause of humanity. It has happened in all 
ages that those who make the greatest sacrifices for the oppressed are 
often the least rewarded by human approbation, but they have the 
reward of peace in their own bosoms, which is far better. When we 
consider how short is our pilgrimage in this state of existence, and 
how interminable the duration of that life which is to come, we are 
made willing to endure the afflictions that may be allotted to us, and 
consider them light in comparison with the riches of that inheritance 
which is reserved for the faithful servants of Christ. My interest in 
the cause which thou hast so much at heart continues to grow deeper 
and deeper, and I find it my duty at times to plead the cause of the 
down trodden slave in the assemblies of the people. This course 
brings peace to my own mind, and is, I think, satisfactory to my friends 
in this neighborhood ; even the slaveholders who attend our meetings 
('which are very large), are, I think, mostly conscious that we have the 



88 Memoirs of Samuel M. Jarmey. 

truth on our side; one of them acknowledged after meeting to-day, 
that it was all true. Unhappily they have long been bolstered up by 
a set of ministers who cry peace, peace, when there is no peace, and 
thus set the people at ease in their sins. 

'*I think public sentiment is advancing here in favor of emancipa- 
tion, and am under the impression that there are many more opposed 
to slavery than is generally supposed, but they are afraid to avow their 
sentiments. There is a vast amount of prejudice to be removed before 
any thing effectual in the way of emancipation can be done. Public 
men do not generally lead in the work of reform ; they only follow 
when their interest requires it. 

" It appears to me the time has come for the discussion of slavery 
in Virginia. I have begun it in earnest, and believe it will be my 
duty to pursue it with vigor. 

" In the Alexandria Gazette of nth inst. thou wilt find an anti- 
slavery essay of mine signed ' A Virginian,' which some persons are 
surprised to see in that paper. I have sent a series of essays to 
another Virginia paper, but do not yet know their fate, and I have a 
Review of George Truman and John Jackson's West Indies Narrative 
ready for the Baltimore Saturday Visitor, which the editor has pro- 
mised to publish, and we intend to have one thousand copies struck 
off in pamphlet form. 

"People in the slave States are so prejudiced that few of them will 
read abolition tracts from the North, nor will our papers give them 
any useful information on the subject of slavery. It is therefore quite 
important, I think, to have such essays introduced into Southern 
papers, and if I had the means at command, I think it would be best 
to have a considerable number of papers containing such essays struck 
off on purpose for distribution. By this means we might, after awhile, 
gain over the editors to our side. 

"What dost thou think of the question of compensation to the mas- 
ters? It appears to me to present the greatest difficulty, for they have 
the power in their hands, and will not listen to anything else ; but 
there is no justice in it, unless our long acquiescence in the evil has 
made us all so far responsible that we ought to share the expense 
of its removal. If the domestic slave trade were abolished, which 
ought to be done instantly, the price of slaves in Virginia would soon 
fall so low that we could perhaps satisfy the demands of the owners 
without much difficulty. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 89 

" Hast thou seen Calhoun's letter to Walker, our minister to 
France ? He not only justifies slavery, but endeavors to show that 
the West India experiment of Great Britain has been entirely disas- 
trous, and that they wish to get rid of its effects by bringing us into 
the same condition. He pretends to draw his information from 
Blackwood's Magazine for June, 1844. I have no doubt his state- 
ments are incorrect and his reasonings false, but it will be circulated 
all through the South without refutation, unless refuted by some one 
in the slave States, for the Southern papers seldom publish anything 
from the North against slavery. 

Thy affectionate friend, 

Samuel M. Janney." 

(The following letter, referring to S. M. J's Review of 
the visit of George Truman and John Jackson to the 
West Indies, was written to his uncle, Phineas Janney:) 

Springdale, 1 2th month, 1844. 
Dear Uncle: 

Thy kind letter of 18th inst. has been received. The amendments 
to my " Review" proposed by thee and my valued friend W. S. have 
been attentively considered, and nearly all of them adopted. In some 
instances I thought the point and vigor of the production was some- 
what impaired, but I made up my mind to abide by your judgment and 
not to allow anything like the pride of authorship to influence my deci- 
sion. If I know my own heart, my desire in this publication is to do 
good to both the master and the slave, by opening the eyes of the 
former to the wickedness of the system he is upholding, and pointing 
out the way in which it may be removed. In this I conceive I am 
more truly his friend than if I were to " keep in the quiet," or look on 
with indifference. My feelings and views on this subject are not of 
recent origin, nor are they derived, as thou seems to suppose, from 
those " abolitionists of the North." They have not asked me to write 
for them, that I recollect (except in one instance), and my pen was en- 
gaged in this cause before the present abolition societies were in exist- 
ence. I have to-day been looking over a series of essays on slavery 
and the slave trade I wrote for the Benevolent Society of Alexandria, 
which were published in the Alexandria Gazette in 1827. I find in 
them expressions of the same character as those objected to in my 



90 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

" Review, " and yet those essays were approved and adopted by a 
society of which my father, G. D., and B. H. were members. The 
petition to Congress which I drew up at the same time and which 
was signed by a thousand respectable citizens of the District asking 
for the suppression of the domestic slave trade and the abolition of 
slavery, also contained some expressions so plain that they would, per- 
haps, be considered harsh by some. In fact it is difficult to speak of 
the system of slavery in plain terms and describe it as it is without 
seeming harsh to Southern ears; nor can any useful impression be 
made upon such a system of stupendous wrong without a plain-spoken 
exposition of its revolting features and ruinous consequences. 

I conceive myself called to labor in this field ; it appears to be as 
much my religious duty as any that I perform, and I look back with 
unfeigned satisfaction and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for 
having enabled me, in years that are long past, to do something, how- 
ever small, for the relief of the oppressed. 

When my mind afterwards became engrossed, for several years, in 
that disastrous business at Occoquan, I seemed to lose sight of my 
anti-slavery concern; but now, that I am enjoying some relief from 
the shackles of debt, those feelings that prompted me to labor in the 
cause of humanity have returned with renewed vigor, and my mental 
energies, after being almost paralyzed by intense anxiety and care, 
are beginning to expand, and require exertion. 

I appreciate thy concern in relation to my school, and feel obliged 
for the freedom with which it is expressed. I hope never to be so weak 
as to be hurt with candid advice or admonition from my real friends. 
But I apprehend no injury has yet resulted from the amount of time 
occupied in these and similar essays. By rising before day in winter, 
and sitting up tolerably late, I have abundance of time for study and 
composition without interfering with school hours. My school may 
suffer and perhaps has suffered some by my open opposition to slavery, 
but when duty calls, interest must not stand in the way. All we have 
to do is to obey our Heavenly Father's will, and trust the consequences 
to Him. * * * 

Thy affectionate nephew, Samuel M. Janney. 

The letter I addressed to my friend George Truman was 
handed around among the members of our Society in Phil- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 91 

adelphia and met with a hearty response. Many of them 
were willing to contribute freely the funds necessary to 
carry out my plan, and I proceeded to write, print and cir- 
culate a number of tracts, in opposition to slavery, show- 
ing its baleful influence on morals and on the material 
interests of the community. Most of my essays were pub- 
lished first in newspapers in Virginia and Maryland, and 
some were afterwards printed in pamphlet form. 

The series of essays that attracted most attention, and 
which incidentally had the most influence on my own 
career, was entitled " The Yankees in Fairfax County, 
Virginia," by a Virginian. It consisted of papers on 
agriculture, education, and political economy, showing 
the superiority of free labor over slave labor, in promoting 
public prosperity, and it was first published in the Rich- 
mond Whig with a high commendation from the editor, 
J. Hampden Pleasants, who was at heart an emancipation- 
ist. It was afterwards published in pamphlet form, and a 
copy of it falling into the hands of Samuel S. Randall, 
Superintendent of Public Schools in the State of New 
York, led him to think of coming to Virginia to reside, 
and ultimately led to an intimate friendship between 
us, which resulted much to my benefit, as I shall relate 
hereafter. 

The following letter I wrote to my friend, George 
Truman, of Philadelphia. 

Springdale, 2d mo. 10th, 1845. 

" Dear Friend : — I have to acknowledge the receipt of thy kind 
letter, and can assure thee I feel grateful for the confidence reposed 
in me by the Friends who have subscribed for the publication of my 
letters against slavery. I am particularly pleased that a way has been 
opened for some to contribute who are not engaged in the effort now 
being made in this cause in the free States. It shows that Friends 



92 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

who have stood aloof from that movement may nevertheless feel a 
warm interest in the cause, and a willingness to assist when they can 
see the way clear to do it. This will promote charitable feelings 
among us, and may prevent the spreading of that dividing and desola- 
ting spirit which has crept into some of our meetings in the Western 
States. I do greatly desire that brotherly love may continue, and that 
we all may be concerned to put the light upon the candlestick that it 
may be seen of all. 

" If something be not done soon towards the removal of the bur- 
thens by which the poor oppressed slaves are borne down to the earth, 
I believe an awful retribution awaits this guilty land, and when 
national calamities shall come upon us, the innocent will have to suffer 
with the guilty. But when we examine this subject closely, I fear 
that few of us are entirely innocent of giving countenance in some way 
to a system of oppression and cruelty that has seldom been equalled 
in any age. Even in the free States the unhallowed scheme of annex- 
ing Texas, which would add more slave States to the Union, and con- 
sequently would increase the domestic slave trade, has found many 
supporters. This astonishing infatuation must arise from interested 
motives on the part of political leaders, whose eyes are blinded by the 
god of this world. 

Thy affectionate friend, 

Samuel M. Janney." 

During the fifteen years that I kept the Springdale 
Boarding School, it was my practice not unfrequently to 
employ the time of vacation in performing journeys in the 
service of the gospel of Christ, being furnished by our 
Monthly Meeting with proper credentials to secure the 
attention of Friends where my lot was cast. 

In the spring of the year 1845, accompanied by my 
friend John Smith and wife, I attended the Quarterly 
Meeting at Redstone and other meetings of Friends in 
Western Pennsylvania, and thence returning through 
Western Virginia, appointed meetings for Divine worship 
in many places. The meetings of Friends in Western 
Pennsylvania were small, and some of the members so 



Memoirs of Saniuel M. Janney. 93 

lukewarm that they seldom attended. My labors a-mong 
them were well received, but I fear the impression made 
was not deep enough to be lasting, as the meetings have 
since continued to dwindle. We had two appointed meet- 
ings with the colored people in their own meeting houses. 
I expressed the deep interest I felt in their welfare, and 
told them how important it was that they should do well, 
and how great an influence they might exert by their good 
example, in promoting the liberation of their brothers and 
sisters, if they would exert themselves to live virtuously 
and bring up their children in Christian principles. A 
considerable number of them were from my native county; 
they rejoiced in meeting with us, and one old man said he 
had nursed me when I was a child. 

In the years 1845 an< ^ *4^ mucn interest was manifested 
in most parts of Virginia on the subject of education, and 
especially in relation to free schools. I took an active 
part in the movement for two reasons : first, I saw the ne- 
cessity of educating the white children in order to elevate 
and enlighten the governing class, and secondly, I thought 
it would be the means of promoting the anti-slavery sen- 
timent which was obstructed by ignorance and prejudice. 

Delegates were appointed in many counties and in most 
of the cities of the Commonwealth, to attend an Educational 
Convention in Richmond. I attended as a delegate from 
Loudoun. The Governor, J. McDowell, presided, and the 
business was referred to several committees on different 
branches to consider and report. I was appointed on a 
committee of fifteen to report on Common School Educa- 
tion. T. Jefferson Randolph was chairman of our com- 
mittee, and was understood to be in favor of a free school 
system. When we met he was absent, and the chair was 
taken by Dr. Plummer, one of the clergy of Richmond. 



94 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

After a brief conversation he said in substance, " x suppose 
we are all willing to continue the present plan (of paying 
for the education of poor children), and that no change is 
needed/ ' To my surprise they all assented to his views ex- 
cept one, who was a member of the Legislature from Wheel- 
ing. I arose and stated my objections to the pauper sys- 
tem then existing, showing its utter inefficiency, and its 
degrading effect in making a distinction between the rich 
and the poor. I advocated a system of free schools such 
as were in successful operation in New York and New Eng- 
land, and was prepared with statistics to prove my posi- 
tion. When I had stated my views the member from 
Wheeling said to me, "If you will embody your views in 
a report I will join you in it. I wrote a report accordingly 
to be signed by him and myself, and the other thirteen 
members of the committee reported in favor of the school 
system then in operation. 

I had to take the lead in advocating our minority report, 
and after debating it a day and a half, we obtained a com- 
plete triumph and carried our point by a vote of at least 
three-fourths. Randolph and some others of the com- 
mittee came over to our views, and the Governor who pre- 
sided was also with us. The next question before the 
convention was a proposition for the establishment of 
another military school in Virginia, which we opposed and 
succeeded in defeating, but it was rather a close vote. The 
Legislature then in session, passed a law, in accordance 
with the recommendation of the convention, for the estab- 
lishment of a Free School system in those counties where 
the people should determine by a vote of two-thirds to 
accept it. 

When I came home I found the cause of popular educa- 
tion had gained ground. At the request of the people, I 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 95 

delivered addresses in Loudoun and in two other counties, 
explaining its advantages, and many public meetings were 
held to discuss the Free School system. The school law 
was accepted by a popular vote in only about six counties, 
and our county was not one of them. Its unexpected fail- 
ure in Loudoun was attributed to the influence of the slave- 
holders, who were generally opposed to it on the ground 
that they thought it was an "entering wedge for some- 
thing else; 7 ' — that is, for the abolition of slavery. 

There were, however, some enlightened and benevolent 
slaveholders who deplored the evils of slavery, and were 
sincerely desirous to promote the establishment of a free 
school system in Virginia. To one of these who co-oper- 
ated with me I wrote as follows : 

"I love my native State as well as any one of her citizens, 
but I cannot feel satisfied to see her falling into the rear of 
all the rest in the career of improvement. Although we 
have many enlightened men, it is an undeniable fact that 
there is a vast amount of ignorance in the State, and 
nothing has yet been done to remove it. We are depend- 
ent upon the North not only for many of our best teachers, 
but for nearly all our literature. How seldom do we hear 
of a book being written by a Virginian ! How few scien- 
tific discoveries have we made? Nearly all the best devel- 
oped intellect in this State has been devoted to law ana 
politics, because these have been considered the roads to 
distinction. If the great mass of our people were educated, 
a part of their intellectual energies would be directed into 
different channels, and we might have our distinguished 
authors and savans as well as other States. But it is not 
this kind of intellectual affluence that I so much crave, as 
a general diffusion of those enjoyments that are derived 
from a moderate cultivation of mind, which might be 



g6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

placed within the reach of all. If the mam object of this 
state of existence is to develop and elevate the intellectual 
and moral faculties, and prepare the soul for the enjoyment 
of the bountiful gifts of the Creator, we have a heavy debt 
to answer for towards those poor creatures bond and free, 
who are condemned by our laws to ignorance and degra- 
dation. I do not lay the whole blame upon slaveholders, 
far from it. I consider the whole community that sustains 
the system responsible for it, and each individual who 
quietly acquiesces in it is implicated. In thinking of this 
interesting and important subject, I often say to myself: 
" Oh, for a Wilberforce to stand up in the councils of our 
State and be as a mouth for the dumb ! ' ' I have a firm 
persuasion that Divine Providence will, in his own good 
time, raise up such an instrument, and I would respectfully 
ask thee to consider whether thy talents have not been be- 
stowed for some such noble purpose." 



CHAPTER X. 

1849-5°. 

Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting — Answer to Wm. A. Smith's Defence 
of Slavery — The Grand Jury indicts him for it — He defends him- 
self and is cleared. 

In the Autumn of 1849 I made a religious visit to 
Friends in Ohio, and attended the Yearly Meeting held at 
Salem, and thirteen other meetings, being accompanied 
by my valued friend, John Smith. The Yearly Meeting 
was a season of painful exercise, on account of the differ- 
ence of sentiment existing among Friends there in relation 
to the measures pursued for the abolition of slavery, and 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 97 

the promotion of other reforms. The grounds of disagree- 
ment were nearly the same as those I had found existing at 
Green Plain, and some of those called Progressive Friends 
were present in the Yearly Meeting. There was much 
unprofitable discussion, and a spirit manifested by some 
which I thought was at variance with the true spirit of the 
Gospel. My concern while among them was to moderate 
the zeal of the friends of discipline, called Conservatives, 
to induce them to pursue a mild and conciliatory course, 
and to lead all to a more close reliance upon the great 
fundamental doctrine of Christianity — the Light of Divine 
Truth revealed in the soul. 

Under date Sixth month, 13th, 1850, I made the following 
record: " I have passed through much religious exercise, 
and, at times, have been favored to draw nigh to the 
Fountain of All Good to renew my strength for the con- 
flicts that attend me." 

One cause of trial to my feelings has been the attempt 
on the part of some misguided and malicious persons to 
prosecute me for writing against the injustice of slavery. 

In the Eighth month, 1849, a Southern Methodist minis- 
ter, William A. Smith, President of Randolph Macon Col- 
lege, Virginia, delivered in the Court House, at Leesburg, 
a lecture professedly on education, but chiefly in defence of 
slavery. He took the ground that slavery is right in itself 
and sanctioned by the Bible. 

His views being listened to by a large audience, and 
applauded by some, I felt that it would not be right for 
me to let them pass without a refutation, which I published 
in a Leesburg newspaper. 

Soon after the Grand Jury of this County met, and pre- 
sented me for publishing an article which, they said, " was 
calculated to incite person3 of color to make insurrection 

7 



g8 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

or rebellion." This false accusation being expressed in 
an illegal form, the Court would not bring me to trial. 

At the next Quarterly Court, in the Eleventh month, the 
Grand Jury again took up the case, and presented me for 
the same essay, in which they alleged that I maintained 
that owners " had no right of property in their slaves." 

Although I did not suppose there was much probability 
of the law being enforced against me, which imposes a 
heavy fine and imprisonment for such cases, yet I could 
not be insensible to the opprobrium intended by the 
attempt to persecute me and " cast out my name as evil." 
I thought much about it, and endeavored to draw nigh to 
Him who is mighty to save, and blessed be His name my 
prayers were heard and my soul comforted with His pre- 
sence. 

In the Third month, 1850, the time set for trial came, 
when I went to Court prepared to plead my own cause, 
but on motion of the Attorney for the Commonwealth, the 
case was postponed three months longer. 

On the nth of the Sixth month the case was taken up by 
the Court, and the Attorney for the Commonwealth made 
an argument to sustain the charge of the Grand Jury. I 
answered in a written argument, and the Attorney made 
another speech, to which I made an oral reply, winding up 
with the expression, " The longer you keep this subject 
before the people the more there will be of my way ot 
thinking." The Court was composed of the magistrates 
of the County; most of them were slave holders. They 
concluded to quash the proceedings, and their chairman 
gave me a lecture upon the necessity of great care and 
caution in meddling with the delicate question of slavery. 
I cared little for his lecture, and proceeded, without delay, 
to publish my answer to the presentment under the title ot 
" The Freedom of the Press Vindicated." 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. gg 

"THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS VINDICATED. 

TO THE PUBLIC. 

" At the last quarterly Court in Loudoun County, Vs.., 
a presentment of the Grand Jury against Samuel M. Janney, 
for a publication in answer to W. A. Smith's defence of 
slavery, was taken up for consideration. After hearing 
the argument of the Attorney for the Commonwealth and 
S. M. Janney' s answer, the Court determined to quash the 
proceedings. 

SAMUEL M. JANNEY* S ANSWER. 

" Having been summoned to appear before the Justices 
of the County Court of Loudoun, c to show cause why in- 
formation shall not be filed against me upon the present- 
ment of the Grand Jury, for maintaining, in an article 
published in " The Washingtonian," on the ioth day of 
August last, that masters have no right of property in their 
slaves:' I beg leave to submit to the Court the following 
good and sufficient reasons why the said information should 
not be filed. 

" First. I deny the fact alleged in the presentment. It 
will be found on a careful examination of the said essay, 
that so far from maintaining that masters have no right of 
property in their slaves, I have distinctly stated, in two 
paragraphs therein, that slaves in Virginia are property. 
The first of these paragraphs contains my definition of 
slavery, viz : ' It is based upon a principle recognized in all 
the slave States, and expressed in the laws of South Caro- 
lina in these words, " Slaves shall be deemed, sold, taken, 
reputed and adjudged in law to be chattels personal, in the 
hands of their owners," &c. Slavery, therefore, is that 
condition in which man is held as a chattel.' The second 



ioo Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 

of these paragraphs, towards the close of the essay, is as 
follows, ' A slave is to all intents and purposes a chattel 
personal, and maybe taken and sold for his master's debts ; 
he cannot acquire nor hold property ; he can make no con- 
tract that his master may not annul; he cannot even con- 
tract matrimony, for there is no legal marriage for slaves. ' 

" Here is a distinct recognition that slaves are property, 
in the legal sense of the term, for by property is meant any 
thing to which a person has a legal title ; and it would be 
absurd to maintain, that in Virginia the owners of slaves 
have no legal title, when we know that, slavery is established 
by law. 

" In fact this is the very strongest objection I have to the 
whole system of American slavery ; it degrades men by 
regarding them as property, and not only as property, but 
as chattels personal. 

" In this respect it differs from that system of feudal 
bondage which formerly prevailed in Europe, for the serf 
was attached to the soil ; he could be sold with it, but not 
without it, and consequently the family ties were not liable 
to be broken at the will of the master. Perhaps it may be 
alleged that the quotation I introduced from the writings 
of John Wesley does maintain that masters have no 
right of property in their slaves ; but I beg leave to call 
your attention to the language of Wesley as quoted by me. 
He says, ' it cannot be that either war or contract can give 
any man such a property in another as he has in his sheep 
and oxen/ Now we know that the owner of sheep and 
oxen can at any time put them to death; but a master 
cannot put his slave to death without being guilty of hom- 
icide or murder ; consequently the law does make a dis- 
tinction between property in man, and property in sheep 
and oxen. But if the sentiment quoted from Wesley will 



Memoirs of Sa?nuel M. Janney* 101 

bear the construction put upon it by the Grand Jury, it 
does not necessarily follow that I adopted it as my own ; 
for we may quote from an author for other purposes than 
to corroborate our own sentiments. If the quotation from 
Wesley is at variance with my own expressions in relation 
to property in man, it cannot reasonably be imputed to 
me. The object I had in view in quoting from the founder 
of Methodism, while controverting the arguments of a pro- 
fessed Methodist minister, is sufficiently obvious : it was 
' to show what Methodism requires in relation to slavery* 
and there was a passage in the manuscript to this effect, 
when taken to the editor of the Washingtonian, but it was 
stricken out by his request, in order to spare the feelings 
of certain individuals. 

" Having now shown that I did not maintain, as alleged 
in the presentment, ' that masters have no right of prop- 
erty in their slaves/ I deem it proper to say, in the lan- 
guage of George Washington, ' that it is among my first 
wishes to see some plan adopted by which slavery in ' this 
country may be abolished by law.'* 

"Second. The statute under which this presentment 
was made, when taken in connection with the Constitution of 
Virginia, does not apply to this case. The Constitution 
says (Art. 3, sec. n), ' The Legislature shall not pass any 
law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press;' and 
again it says, .' nor shall any man be enforced, restrained, 
molested, or burthened in his body or goods, or otherwise 
suffer on account of his religious opinions or beliefs' — that 
' all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to main- 
tain their opinions in matters of religion.' 

" We must not suppose that the Legislature intended to 
violate this fundamental principle of the Constitution, and 
* Letter to J. F. Mercer. 



102 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

therefore it is reasonable to construe the statute so as not 
to infringe the freedom of speech or of the press, or to 
impair that religious liberty so solemnly guaranteed to 
every citizen of Virginia. 

" It may be shown by reference to the Discipline of the 
Society of Friends (page 61), that 'as a religious society 
we have found it to be our indispensable duty to declare 
to the world our belief that slavery is wholly inconsistent 
with the beneficent precepts of the Christian religion. It 
therefore remains to be our continued concern to prohibit 
our members from holding in bondage our fellow-men. And 
at the present time we apprehend it to be incumbent on 
every individual deeply to consider his own particular 
share in this testimony. The slow progress in the eman- 
cipation of this part of the human family we lament, but 
nevertheless do not despair of its ultimate enlargement. 
And we desire that Friends may not suffer the deplorable 
condition of these, our enslaved fellow-beings, to lose its 
force upon their minds through the delay which the oppo- 
sition of the interested may occasion in this work of jus- 
tice and mercy, but rather be animated to consider that 
the longer the opposition remains, the greater is the neces- 
sity, on the side of righteousness and benevolence, for our 
steady perseverance in pleading their cause. ' 

" This extract from our discipline shows conclusively that 
we place our opposition to slavery on the ground of a reli- 
gious concern. We consider it a duty, on proper occasions 
and in the spirit of meekness and love,* ' to open our 
mouths for the dumb, and to plead the cause of the poor 

* The first presentment against S. M. J. for the said publication, 
charged him with writing an article " calculated to incite persons of 
color to make insurrection or rebellion," which was set aside by the 
court. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 1 03 

and needy.' Prov. xxxi. 8, 9. But never, on any occa- 
sion, has a Friend been known to c incite slaves to make 
insurrection or rebellion/ for to resist oppression by 
physical force is contrary to our well-known peaceable 
principles. We believe that the triumphs of philanthrophy 
and Christianity cannot be achieved by coercive means, 
but by the gentle, persuasive spirit of the gospel, which, 
proceeding from the love of God, expands the heart into 
love for the whole human family. Nor do we feel at lib- 
erty to encourage insubordination among slaves, nor to 
advise or incite them to leave their masters, for this would 
be an improper interference with the relations established 
by law. • 

" Our concern is not to meddle with the slave, but to 
appeal to the master ; our course is open and aboveboard ; 
our aim is to accomplish a Christian object by Christian 
means. 

" Now we must not suppose that the Legislature intended, 
by the statute referred to, to deprive us of a religious priv- 
ilege solemnly guaranteed to us by the Constitution of our 
native State, and which has been constantly exercised by 
the members of our Society from the foundation of the Gov- 
eminent down to the present day. 

"Third. If the court shall deem that the statute under 
which this presentment was made does apply to this case, 
and it was intended for such cases, then I would respect- 
fully maintain that, the statute being a palpable violation 
of the Constitution of Virginia, has not the force of law, 
and it is the duty of the judiciary to disregard it. The 
court will find a precedent for this course in the case of 
Peter Kemper vs. Mary Hawkins, recorded in ' A collec- 
tion of cases decided in the General Court of Virginia/ 
^Philadelphia Edition, page 20.) 



io4 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janncy. 

"In this case, which was decided in the year 1793, a 
statute of the Legislature was unanimously set aside on the 
ground that it was contrary to the Constitution of Virginia. 

" Judge Roan, in giving his opinion, said : — 

" 'I now think that the judiciary may, and ought not 
only to refuse to execute a law expressly repugnant to the 
Constitution, but also one which is by a plain and natural 
construction in opposition to the fundamental principles 
thereof. If the Legislature may infringe the Constitution, 
it is no longer fixed ; it is not this year what it was the 
last, and the interests of the people are wholly at the 
mercy of the Legislature.' (Page 38.) 

" Judge Henry said : — 

"'I concur most heartily with my brothers who have 
gone before me, in the last two points, that the law is un- 
constitutional, and ought not to be executed ; the injunc- 
tion, therefore, must be overruled; and this opinion I 
form, not from a view of the memorials, nor from writers 
who knew not the blessings of free government but as 
they were seen and felt through the prospect of future 
times, but from honest reason, co)?imoJi sense, and the great 
letter of a free Constitution/ (Page 66.} 

"Judge Tucker said, in concluding his remarks : — 

" 'From all these instances, it appears to me that this 
deduction clearly follows, viz. : the judiciary are bound to 
take notice of the Constitution as the first law of the land, 
and that whatsoever is contrary thereto is not the lam of the 
land: (Page 81.) 

" I would moreover suggest, that the statute now under 
consideration has been recently changed in some of its 
features, since which I believe there has been no judicial 
decision under it. 

"Fourth. I would respectfully call the attention of the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 105 

court to the circumstances under which my review of W. A. 
Smith's address was written. A person from another county, 
professing to lecture on Education, had recently traversed 
the county of Loudoun, and at several places publicly main- 
tained that slavery is right in itself, and is sanctioned by 
the Bible. He had even ventured to call in question and 
to ridicule the leading doctrine of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, as may be seen by an editorial article in the 
' Loudoun Whig/ published the same week that the lecture 
was delivered in Leesburg. And can it be possible that 
freedom of speech and of the press are so completely pros- 
trated in Virginia, that a native citizen of the county may 
not be permitted to answer an address thus publicly de- 
livered, in which were maintained doctrines at variance 
with the sentiments of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, 
Patrick Henry, and all the great statesmen of Virginia? 
The Court will find, on examination of the essay for which 
I have been presented, that it is moderate and temperate 
in its tone, expressive of warm attachment to the Federal 
Union, and of respect for the feelings of my fellow-citi- 
zens whose education and circumstances have caused them 
to view this subject in a different light from that in which 
I have seen it. 

" So careful was I not to give offence, that I erased from 
it a quotation from Jefferson, which I thought was too 
strong for the nerves of some sensitive people in Loudoun ; 
and on handing the manuscript to the editor, C. C. Mcln- 
tyre, who is also a member of the court, I requested him to 
examine it and strike out any passage that was calculated 
to do harm. He did examine it with that object, and a clause 
was stricken out showing the purpose for which the quota- 
tion from Wesley was made ; but it ought to have been 
retained, as subsequent events have shown* 



106 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

" In conclusion, I beg leave to reiterate, that so far from 
denying that slaves in Virginia are legally the property of 
their owners, I asserted that ' they are to all intents and 
purposes chattels personal/ and this is the main ground 
of my opposition to the whole system of slavery, for from 
this root spring all its manifold evils. 

" Being desirous to pay all due respect to the dignity of 
the court and the laws of my country, I trust that my 
ignorance of legal forms, in the preparation of this answer, 
will be overlooked, and that the court will protect me in 
the rights secured by our Constitution to the humblest 
citizen. 



Loudoun County, 6th mo. nth, 1850," 



S. M. Janney. 



CHAPTER XI. 

1850-51. 

S. S. Randall suggests his writing the Life of Penn — 'Two letters 
from him on the subject ' — Engaged in the work — Visits his friend 
S. S. Randall, who assists him in revising his book. 

During the years 1850 and '51, a considerable portion 
of my time was occupied in writing the life of William 
Penn, — a labor of love I enjoyed in the performance, and 
which has since yielded me great satisfaction. I should 
probably never have thought of this undertaking, had it 
not been suggested by my friend Samuel S. Randall ; and 
being doubtful of my ability to accomplish it successfully, 
I hesitated until he urgently insisted upon my making the 
attempt. 

About the year 1845 or *46> ne was living in Fairfax 
county, Virginia, having removed thither from the State 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 107 

of New York, on account of his health. During the agi- 
tation of the Free School question, he took an interest in 
the discussions, having been Superintendent of Common 
Schools in New York; and thus we were brought into 
sympathy with each other, and a warm friendship sprang 
up between us. After a brief residence in Virginia, he 
returned to Albany with his family, and when I visited 
that city in 1849, ne ma de the suggestion above stated in 
relation to the Life of Penn. After due consideration, I 
wrote one or two chapters, and transmitted them to him 
for examination. He replied, under date of May 28th, 
1850, saying he and some of his friends had perused my 
manuscript with very great interest and pleasure. "We 
are all," he wrote, "of the opinion, that you should by 
" all means proceed with the work ; that it is conceived and 
thus far executed in the right spirit, and that it cannot fail 
of meeting the public approbation, if carried out in the 
same manner. * * * I would devote at least an entire 
chapter to the history of the origin and progress, up to the' 
period under consideration, of the Quaker doctrine, with 
a sketch of the life and labors of George Fox, with a gen- 
eral and comprehensive exposition of the leading principles 
and tenets of the sect. This will serve to elucidate and 
explain the subsequent connection of Penn with this sect 
and his identification with their peculiar doctrines, for the 
details of which I should refer to his various works, with- 
out specifying the particulars, except as they might become 
important to the thread and staple of the story." 

In accordance with these views I wrote the second chap- 
ter of the work, and sent it to S. S. Randall, from whom 
I received the following letter : 



108 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

"Albany, June 26th, 1850. 

" My Dear Friend : 

"Yours of the 20th instant, enclosing your revision of the second 
chapter of your proposed work, reached me by due course of mail. I 
am entirely satisfied with the result, and am of opinion that it will add 
materially to the value and interest of the history. I have but one 
other suggestion to make, after full consultation with your friends here 
to whom I have submitted the manuscript, and that is, that the body of 
the narrative be diversified as much as possible with incidents of the 
private life and personal adventures of Penn, such as will exhibit him, 
as far as possible, living and breathing before us, a fellow-traveler 
with ourselves on the great and familiar thoroughfare of human life, 
with all its chequered scenes of good and ill. Every event in the life 
of such a man that may have come down to us through the long vista 
of two centuries will be interesting, no matter how common-place or 
familiar, how trivial or apparently unimportant. If, for instance, we^ 
could have had a full diary of all the little incidents occurring from 
day to day in his family or in his travels, at home or abroad, his reflec- 
tions and passing thoughts on the current of human events as it rolled 
on before him ; such a diary would now be perused with unmitigated 
pleasure and satisfaction. * His homes and haunts,' the association 
and scenes by which he was from time to time surrounded, and which 
must have entered to a greater or less extent into that peculiar combi- 
nation of circumstances which formed and matured his character — 
all these things should, I think, be dwelt upon, illustrated and 
elucidated. 

"I take the liberty to send you herewith a late number of Sartain's 
Magazine, which may be of some service to you in following out these 
hints, should you deem them valuable. Would it not be worth your 
while to procure the originals, or impressions from these plates, and 
transfer them, at suitable intervals, to the body of the work ? It strikes 
me they would give it great additional value. The plates could 
doubtless be procured at very little expense, not exceeding ten or 
fifteen dollars, if so much. 

" I feel a deep interest in the progress and success of your work, 
and have not the slightest doubt of your ability to accomplish it in a 
satisfactory manner. I have not been able to procure the* edition of 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 109 

Clarkson to which you refer, but I am not at all apprehensive that it 
will stand in your way. You can and will make your work of quite a 
different texture from his. You will aim*at a popular exposition of 
the life and times of the great Pacificator; not so much with reference 
to his peculiar religious opinions, as to his influence as a philanthropic, 
clear-headed, strong-minded Reformer, a comprehensive and sagacious 
Statesman, and a wise amd astute Legislator. And when I speak of 
his influence, I speak of it not so much with reference to the period in 
which he lived (altnough that was undoubtedly great), as to the period 
which has since intervened and is yet in the womb of the future. I 
wish to see traced, in letters of living light, the influence of a great 
idea, conceived by a strong, powerful and lucid mind in the solitude 
of his own quiet reflection, upon the future destiny of millions of the 
hnman race. I would have that idea clearly, distinctly and luminously 
brought out, with all its accessories of time, place and circumstance — 
witness its growth, development and expansion, as well amid the 
stoims and tempests of adversity as under the bright sunshine of pros- 
perity, and be admitted into the very inner penetralia of the sanctuary 
from whence it sprung as a bright reflection of that higher truth whose 
dwelling-place is with the Eternal Majesty. This is my conception of 
the work you have in hand. You must endeavor to divest yourself, 
as far as you can, of ail sectarian feeling, and study and portray the 
illustrious figure before you in the spirit of a cosmopolite, ever keep- 
ing in view the undoubted fact, that however great may have been the 
measure of light and of truth vouchsafed to George Fox, William 
Penn, and their fellow-laborers in the same vineyard, it is but a feeble 
glimmer in comparison with that full and perfect revelation which has 
been reserved for that coming day when, 

tt * * # throned on Zion's brow 
The soul shall rend the vail away 
That blinds the Nations now." 

" You cannot gratify me more than by transmitting to me a copy of 
your manuscript as you progress in your undertaking; and in return I 
will make, from time to time, such suggestions as may occur to me. 
It is very doubtful whether I shall be able to attend the National Edu- 
cational Convention at Philadelphia, in August. Should I do so, how- 
ever, I will apprise you. Your defence has been very generally 
admired in this quarter. It is just what it should have been and what 



no Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

was expected of its author. 'There's a good time coming ' in Vir- 
ginia. I congratulate you on your escape from the toils of the 
hunters. 

" With my own and Mrs. R.'s kindest regards to all our friends at 
Springdale, I remain yours. 

S. S. Randall." 



On receiving this letter, I determined to go forward, in 
good earnest, with the book, and accordingly went to Phil- 
adelphia to seek for the materials. My friends in that city 
manifested a lively interest in my undertaking, and through 
their assistance I obtained access to materials unexpectedly 
rich and abundant, which I have acknowledged in the 
preface to the work. 

In the latter part of the Sixth month, 1851, 1 spent about 
a week in Albany with my friend S. S. Randall, revising 
my book and preparing it for the press. I found him an 
excellent critic, and I look back with pleasure on the time 
spent with him in discussing the many interesting inci- 
dents connected with the life of Penn. 

On my way home I stopped in Philadelphia to make 
arrangements for publishing the work. A large number of 
subscribers having been obtained, I agreed with Hogan & 
Thompson to print for me one thousand copies to supply 
subscribers, and one thousand for their own sales, on which 
they were to pay me twenty-five cents each for copy-right. 

The favor with which the book was received far exceeded 
my expectations. From the press it met with encouraging 
commendation ; and the first edition being quickly ex- 
hausted, I had it stereotyped, after correcting some errors, 
mostly typographical, that had been found in the first 
edition. 



CHAPTER XII. 

1851. 

He obtains a minute to attend Philadelphia, New York and Genesee 
Yearly Meetings, with some of the meetings composing them — Some 
account of his religious exercises while on this journey — Proposi- 
tion brought to Yearly Meeting for an equit .ble division of prop- 
erty held by our branch of the Society — Not then carried, but 
adopted in 1864 — Hopes entertained of a more cordial feeling be- 
tween the two branches — Accepts an invitation to visit Thomas 
Evans of Philadelphia, who expressed himself satisfied with the 
Life of Penn — At his request adds some doctrinal matter in the next 
edition — Letters to Caleb Carmalt — Letters to S. S. Randall and 
Jane Johnson on the Life of Geo. Fox. 

In the Fourth month, 1851, accompanied by my friend 
William Tate, I left home in order to attend the Yearly 
Meetings of Philadelphia, New York and Genesee^ with 
some of the meetings composing them. This service I 
had long had in prospect, and believing that the time was 
come for its performance, I resigned myself to the Divine 
requisition, with full assurance that the Heavenly Shepherd 
would lead me in the path of duty. 

On the 28th and 29th of Fourth month we attended Con- 
cord Quarterly Meeting, held at Wilmington, and in the 
evening I had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of 
that city. In the Quarterly Meeting I found some open- 
ness for religious labor, which was well received by the 
Friends present. The evening meeting was tolerably well 
attended, and for a considerable time I saw nothing to do 
but set an example of silent waiting upon God. At length 
light sprung up, and I was enabled to preach the gospel 

(in) 



ii2 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

with a heartfelt assurance that the great Teacher and Leader 
of his people was near us. 

Sixth-day, ist of Fifth month. -We attended Marlborough, 
a branch of Kennett Monthly Meeting. After a season of 
patient waiting, I was enabled to supplicate the Father of 
mercies to open our understandings, to make us acquainted 
with His will, and to give us ability to perform it. Then 
the nature of true spiritual religion was brought before the 
view of my mind, and I arose with the expression of the 
sentiment, that notwithstanding the variety of opinions 
and speculations concerning it, there is but one true reli- 
gion, which is that of the heart — a religion that none but 
God himself can teach ; for all our efforts without His 
enlightening spirit of grace can never make us acquainted 
with His kingdom. This holy religion of Christ is the 
life of God in the soul of man ; it must be received with 
humility and childlike simplicity; and as we abide under 
his teaching, our spiritual senses will be opened to " discern 
betwixt good and evil," our evil propensities will be over- 
come, pure principles, holy desires and heavenly affections 
will be given to us, and we shall thus become "partakers 
of the Divine nature" through faith and obedience. This 
spiritual religion will show itself by its blessed fruits in our 
life and conversation, and the world will acknowledge that 
we " have been with Jesus." True religion is modest and 
unobtrusive, but firm, consistent and persevering ; it is not 
like the mountain torrent which rushes on its way with 
noise and tumult, but like the gentle brook which glides 
through the meadows and makes its presence known by 
the freshness and verdure it imparts. 

After attending a number of meetings in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey, we came to Philadelphia, in order to 
attend the Yearly Meeting. On 7th day, Fifth month 1 ith, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 113 

the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders was held at 
Cherry street house. In the morning I was silent, but 
many others spoke. In the afternoon, towards the close, 
I found an opening for some religious service. 

First-day. — The morning meeting at Cherry street was 
very large, the house being crowded, hundreds standing in 
the yard. I went to the meeting under much religious 
exercise, and stood up pretty early, being pressed in spirit 
to call the attention of the people to the manifestation of 
God in the flesh, not only as it took place in the person 
of the Messiah, but as a present Saviour, who now comes 
to save us by his Spirit of Truth immediately revealed to 
the souls of his obedient, dedicated servants. He saves 
us by " the washing of regeneration and renewing of the 
Holy Spirit/' and not by works of righteousness which we 
have done ; for good works are the result of salvation, not 
the cause of it. They are the fruits which are borne by 
the holy principles of righteousness engrafted into the soul 
by Divine grace and love. Salvation is by faith ; but faith 
must have an object, and its proper object is the presence 
and power of God as a spiritual deliverer from the bondage 
of sin. The coming of Christ in the person of Jesus was 
a wonderful instance of the mercy of God, and has wrought 
a vast change in the world, but it has made no change in 
the will or purposes of God, who has always loved man- 
kind ; for God was in Christ reconciling the world unto 
himself. The blood of Christ which saves and washes 
from the defilement of sin, is his life, being the life of God 
in the soul of man. 

Several communications followed from other ministers, 
and the meeting closed well. 

In the afternoon we attended Green street meeting, where 
I was silent except a few words near the close, to show the 

8 



ii4 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

excellency of true spiritual worship, which is the Sabbath 
of the soul. 

The Yearly Meeting opened on Second-day, during which 
and the two succeeding days the usual business was trans- 
acted, and much interesting discussion took place. 

On Fifth-day, in the afternoon, the Minutes of the Meet- 
ing for Sufferings, or Representative Committee, were read, 
by which it appeared that some attention had been given 
to the subject of slavery. I felt it my duty to open some 
views upon the subject, encouraging Friends to be faithful 
to every clear opening of duty, keeping under the influ- 
ence of the meek, lamb-like spirit of Christ, and avoiding 
the excitement of passion, which too often hurries the 
unwary into rash and improper measures. I stated that the 
bounds of an excellent discipline allowed me sufficient 
liberty to labor in this important cause, and I desired that 
we might all be careful to observe its limitations. My 
views were responded to by several on both sides ; for on 
this question there are, unhappily, two sides or parties, 
even among Friends ; both of them, I think, are sincerely 
desirous of promoting our testimony against slavery, but 
they differ as to the means of advancing it. 

The meeting appeared to enter into deep feeling on the 
subject, and closed with a precious solemnity. 

Having felt it my duty to appoint a meeting in the city, 
I consulted the elders, and proposed to them to invite 
Priscilla Cadwallader to join in the appointment, if she 
felt free to do so, which, meeting her approbation, it was 
announced, at the close of the Yearly Meeting, to take 
place the next day (the 7th .of the week) at 10 A. M. 
The meeting was attended by a large concourse, mostly 
Friends. I found it my duty in the early part of the meet- 
ing to make a brief communication, which was followed 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Jarmey. 115 

by an extended and able discourse from Priscilla, accom- 
panied, as I thought, by Divine unction, and I felt thank- 
ful that I was instrumental to open the way for her, espe- 
cially as her lips had not been opened in ministry during 
the whole of the Yearly Meeting. 

Trenton, N. J., Fifth month 23d, 1851. — After attending 
nine meetings in Bucks county, we arrived here, and held 
an appointed meeting last night. Yesterday, at Fallsing- 
ton, near the close of my discourse, I made a mistake in 
a Scripture quotation, which was instantly corrected by 
my dear old friend Samuel Comfort, who sat near me; I 
accepted the correction, repeated the text verbatim, and 
went on with my discourse. This mistake brought me under 
great humiliation, for it arose from un watchfulness; but 
the meeting ended well. 

I went to the meeting in Trenton last evening in a state 
of self-abasement, and being enabled to dig deeper than 
usual, the well-spring of the gospel flowed forth abundantly, 
to the refreshment of my own soul as well as others who 
were present. 

New York, Seventh-day, Fifth month 24th. — We at- 
tended to-day two sittings of the Yearly Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders. I was silent in both, but several others 
were much engaged in speaking to the business before the 
meeting, and in exhortation. 

First-day morning. — At Rose street public meeting for 
worship there was a great concourse. Soon after the meet- 
ing became settled, I felt drawn into religious exercise, 
and after calling the attention of the people to that inward 
spiritual worship by which we draw nigh unto God for the 
renewal of our strength, I was led to speak on the nature 
of Christ's kingdom and the object or end of the Messiah's 
advent, showing that it was not intended to produce any 



1 1 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

change in the disposition of our Heavenly Father towards 
man/ but a change in man, whereby he may become rec- 
onciled to God and a partaker of the Divine nature. Sev- 
eral other communications followed, and it was a favored 
meeting. 

In the afternoon I attended meeting at Hester street 
house, and was silent. John Hunt was much exercised, 
and I thought labored effectually in the ministry. 

Second-day, Fifth month 26th. — The Yearly Meeting was 
opened ; a large number of ministers from other Yearly 
Meetings being in attendance. Much excellent advice was 
given, and a good feeling pervaded the meeting. Some 
allusions having been made to the relation in which we 
stand towards the civil government, and more especially 
to the countenance and support given to war and slavery, 
I felt called to give my views, in substance as follows : — 

The form of government under which we live is the best 
and most liberal now existing in the world, and is probably 
as good as the people of this country are capable of sup- 
porting. We ought to be thankful that we are not subject 
to ecclesiastical tyranny, nor subjected to much suffering 
for our testimonies, as our forefathers were, and as we 
should be now in any other country. Nevertheless, our 
government is not conducted on Christian principles; it 
is not only supported by the sword, but assists to hold in 
bondage millions of our fellow-creatures, who are kept in 
ignorance and degradation. We should endeavor to love 
and feel for all men, not only for the oppressed, but the 
oppressor, whose happiness is impaired by his position, 
and when we desire the release of his victim, it is to pro- 
mote the welfare of both. The purposes of Divine 
Providence are often achieved by means inscrutable to 
man ; we can only promote them by acting in obedience 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 117 

to His will and under the influence of His spirit. As we 
abide under His law, which is above all human laws, we 
may become instrumental in exalting the standard of right- 
eousness and improving the moral condition of society, 
which will lead to the correction of abuses and the amelio- 
ration of civil laws. We must not resist the laws of the 
land, nor advise others to resist them; neither can we 
assist to put in force a law which is inconsistent with our 
religious principles, but like the primitive Christians and 
early Friends, we must be willing to suffer patiently the 
penalties inflicted for our non-compliance, which will spread 
the knowledge of the Truth and the principles we profess. 
The triumphs of Christianity have never been achieved by 
violence, but by the patient sufferings of the faithful, and 
we should remember that the disciples of the Saviour have 
ever been led by that spirit which " takes its kingdom by 
entreaty, and keeps it by lowliness of mind." 

After the close of the Yearly Meeting, I attended a meet- 
ing appointed for me at Hester street. It was attended by 
many, and I was favored with ability to labor " in word 
and doctrine," much to my own peace of mind. The 
principal subject of the discourse was the omnipresence of 
God, and the influence of His spirit on the human soul, 
impressing us, even in early youth, with a sense of good 
and a desire for holiness, and when we transgress, bring- 
ing us into condemnation for sin. The nature of salva- 
tion was also touched upon, showing that it is the work of 
God in the soul, the subjection of our wills to His will, 
the suppression of our evil propensities, and the bringing 
forth in us of those pure and holy principles which are the 
fruits of the Spirit. It is the life of Christ or power of 
God inwardly revealed that saves from sin; nevertheless, 
we should not lightLy esteem or derogate from the value of 



n8 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

that wonderful display of Divine power and goodness in 
the person of Jesus Christ, the highest and best of all the 
sons of God. He did not sin, but dwelt in the Divine 
presence continually ; the works that he did were through 
the power of his Father that dwelt in him ; he is called by 
the apostle the first born among many brethren ; and he 
said himself, after his resurrection, " Go and say to my 
brethren, I ascend to my Father and your Father, to my 
God and your God." 

Leaving the city of New York, we proceeded to Duchess 
County, and attended some meetings, one of which was 
held at Stanford, We were accompanied by John Wine, a 
minister in good esteem, who for some years had seldom 
appeared in that service. I told him, before meeting. I 
should be glad if the Master would lay on him the service 
of that meeting, which proved to be the case. We sat, I 
think, nearly an hour in silence, during which I saw nothing 
for me to do — not the least opening of life, but a state of 
patient waiting upon God. John then arose, and delivered 
a lively and edifying discourse, which though brief, was 
sufficient to bring the meeting into a feeling of solemnity. 
I felt it right, in a few words, to express the feelings that 
attended my mind, — that " the Lord might send by whom 
he would send;" for He alone can call and qualify His 
instruments and render their labor effective. 

In the Sixth month we attended Genesee Yearly Meet- 
ing, held at North Farmington. On First-day morning 
the meeting was very large. After a brief but pertinent 
communication from Eleazer Haviland and a few words 
from Justus Wright, I found it my place to rise and bear 
testimony to the universal love of God to the human 
family. I adverted to the language of Moses to the 
Israelites : "I have set before you life and death, blessing 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 119 

and cursing; therefore choose life." — Deut. xxx. 19. 
The power of choice is conferred upon us, of which we 
are all conscious, and therefore responsible for our devia- 
tions from the Divine law revealed in our hearts. This 
law was made known to Adam, and the consequence of 
transgression was pointed out when the Most High 
said to him "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt 
surely die ;" — a prediction that was exactly fulfilled. The 
penalty thus denounced against sin was not the death 
of the body, for he did not then die as to the body ; but 
he experienced a separation from the source of life — he 
became "carnally-minded," which is death; he was like 
a withered branch, ready to be cut off. In this state he 
was not permitted to partake of the tree of life, — that is to 
hold sweet communion with his Heavenly Father; for 
having lost his innocence, he was cast out of Eden, the 
garden of God, and it was an evidence of Divine mercy 
that he was not permitted to enjoy peace of mind while in 
this condition, lest he should continue in it, and remain an 
alien from his Father's house. Thanks be to God for his 
unspeakable gift, he does not permit man to remain in this 
state without " the reproofs of instruction, which are the 
way of life." He visits us with the powerful convictions 
of truth, even as the prodigal, when he had wandered far 
from his father's house and spent his substance in riotous 
living, was visited by Divine grace, and was enabled to see 
that neither the gratification of sensual appetites, nor the 
husks of an empty profession, could satisfy the longings of 
an immortal spirit that was formed for heavenly joy. But 
when he came to himself, — saw himself as he really was— 
and was willing to return in a state of humility and con- 
trition, the father was ready to receive with open arms the 
repenting sinner : He did not stand off in high displeasure, 



1 20 Memoirs of Samuel M. Jamiey. 

nor require the obedient son, who had remained at home, 
to suffer the penalty of his brother's transgression. No ; 
he required no vicarious sacrifice. The reconciliation was 
already made when the prodigal repented and returned, 
humbly desiring the lowest place in the father's house. 
The atonement consists in man being reconciled to God, 
by a change of heart, which is the work of Christ in us, for 
" Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but 
according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of, 
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost ; which he 
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 
that, being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs 
according to the hope of eternal life." — Titus iii. 5. 

Just before the close of the Yearly Meeting, Caleb 
Carmalt, the clerk, addressed the meeting in a feeling and 
impressive manner concerning the divisions which have 
taken place among Friends, by which the Society is now 
severed into two distinct bodies, each of which has been 
weakened by smaller subdivisions. He showed that the 
fundamental doctrine of the Society, the immediate opera- 
tion of the Divine principle in man, is held by both of the 
two main bodies, and that the testimonies we bear are the 
same, and he pointed to the necessity of reunion, in order 
that our influence in promoting the great cause of truth 
and righteousness may be effectual in the world. 

His views were so entirely in accordance with my own, 
that I felt it my duty to express my concurrence, and to 
extend the subject further by a more direct reference to 
our duty in the case, which is to live near the Divine prin- 
ciple in ourselves, to evince by our life and. conversation 
that we are the disciples of Christ, to cherish kind feelings 
towards those of our brethren who are separated from us, 
and to embrace every opening to remove the obstructions 
that prevent a reunion. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 121 

After attending meetings at Wheatland and Mendon, we 
came to Rochester, where we had an appointed meeting on 
First-day afternoon. Soon after the meeting assembled, 
my mind was impressed with the query, What is the pur- 
pose or intention of meeting for Divine worship ? Do we 
suppose we can contribute anything to the happiness of the 
Deity or augment His glory? No, this cannot be; for He 
is perfectly happy in Himself and infinitely glorious. We 
may indeed become instrumental in spreading among men 
the knowledge of His glory, but we can, in reality, add 
nothing to it, nor can we suppose His favor is to be gained 
by lifeless ceremonies or empty praise ; for He is not like 
man, to be influenced by adulation. The object to be 
sought for in Divine worship is forcibly stated by the 
Apostle Paul in his address to the Athenians : " That they 
should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him 
and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us, 
for in Him we live and move and have our being. " How 
appropriate, therefore, is a state of solemn silence, in 
which the mind, being withdrawn from all temporal con- 
cerns, is engaged in secret prayer or reverent waiting upon 
God. In this frame of mind, He opens to us our own 
states and conditions, by the influence of His Holy Spirit, 
when, being brought into humility and contrition, we are 
enabled, from a sense of our wants, to ask of Him light to 
guide us in the paths of duty, and strength%o perform all 
that He requires of us. As we are thus engaged in waiting 
upon Him, we are brought under the influence of His holy 
law, inwardly revealed — "the law of the spirit of life in 
Christ Jesus,"— and as we continue in obedience to this 
law, the animal nature is subjected to the spiritual ; the 
appetites, passions and desires are brought under Divine 
government, we are delivered from the bondage of corrup- 



122 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

tion, and introduced into the glorious liberty of the sons 
and daughters of God. This is salvation : a deliverance 
not only from the guilt and punishment of sin, but from 
the dominion of evil ; and no other power but the spirit 
of Christ can effect this great work for us. There never 
has been, nor can there be, any other Saviour of men than 
God Himself, as he has said, by the mouth of his prophet, 
"I, even I, am the Lord, and besides me there is no 
Saviour." — Isa. xliii. n. Jesus" was called the Saviour, 
because in him was a full manifestation of the one eternal, 
Omnipresent power. His word or spirit has in all ages 
operated upon man. He taught our first parents in Eden ; 
He strove with the antediluvian world, even when far 
advanced in wickedness ; He appeared in the patriarchs, 
and instructed the prophets, for " they prophesied before- 
hand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should 
follow, through the Spirit of Christ that was in them." 
The most full and perfect of His manifestations to man was 
in the person of Jesus, the Son and sent of God, who did 
no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who lived in 
entire obedience to the Divine will, for he declared, " I 
can of my own self do nothing, as I hear I judge, and my 
judgment is just because I do the will of Him that sent 
me." 

It may be asked, and I have no doubt is asked, " Have 
the sufferings #id outward sacrifice of Christ done nothing 
for us?" Did he not suffer for us, according to the Scrip- 
tures? Undoubtedly he "suffered for us, leaving us an 
example that we should follow his steps." — Peter ii. 21. 
We believe what is written concerning him in the Scrip- 
tures, the best of all books, and we there find it recorded 
as his own language, " To this end was I born,, and for this 
cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 123 

the Truth. ' ' John xviii. 37. Now, it is evident he could not 
bear witness to the truth among that wicked and perverse 
people without suffering for it ; therefore he submitted to 
it, and his sufferings have been instrumental in effecting a 
mighty change in the condition of millions of the human 
family. Nothing is so well calculated to soften and subdue 
the obdurate heart as a realizing sense of the Saviour's suf- 
ferings for the cause of Truth. But no change was wrought 
in the Deity by the sufferings of Christ ; His will and His 
purposes have been always the same, and always right. 

The atonement or reconciliation consists in a change 
being wrought in man by which he is brought into unity 
with God, agreeably to the declaration of Paul: "God 
was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. 
We pray you therefore as ambassadors for Christ, be ye 
reconciled to God." When we become thus reconciled by 
a change of heart, we shall show forth in life and conversa- 
tion the fruits of the spirit which are meekness, patience, 
temperance, brotherly kindness and charity. These blessed 
fruits have, in all ages, been manifested by those who came 
under the Divine government, and whenever it shall pre- 
vail in the hearts of mankind it will put an end to strife, 
contention and oppression. War and slavery spring from 
the unrestrained passions of men, and the only power that 
can effectually subdue them is that which comes from God ; 
acts immediately upon the soul, and bears witness in the 
hearts of the people when the truth is spoken 

These were the principal topics touched upon, so far as 
I can remember. A feeling of deep solemnity pervaded 
the meeting, and after taking my seat I rose again to make 
a few observations on the subject of prayer. This is the 
most solemn and important of all our duties, and can only 
be performed aright as we wait upon God and receive from 



124 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Him a knowledge of our condition and a sense of our 
wants. We are then enabled to ask for food convenient 
for us, which will be given to us in due season, for He 
grants the prayer that is made according to His will. As 
the little child looks to its parent for food, and is prompted 
by hunger to ask for it, so the soul that is born again of 
the Spirit and brought into a state of humble, childlike 
obedience, cries to our Heavenly Father for spiritual bread, 
and the spontaneous breathing of the soul thus poured 
forth, is acceptable in the Divine sight. If our Lord and 
Master found it proper for him to withdraw from the 
haunts of men to hold communion with his Heavenly 
Father and offer up supplications to Him, how much more 
is it needful for us, who are compassed about with infirmi- 
ties, to watch unto prayer and seek for continual supplies 
of light and strength from on high. 

Such was the substance of my exercises in this meeting. 
It was to me a memorable time, being crowned with a 
degree of life and power that I have seldom experienced. 
After the close of the meeting we were informed that most 
of the Congregational Friends who have separated from our 
Society in Rochester were present, as well as many of the 
Orthodox Friends who hold a meeting in this city. Some 
of the members of both these sections expressed their con- 
currence with the views held forth, so that extremes seemed 
to meet under the cementing influence of Divine love, and 
I felt truly thankful to the Author of all good. After 
attending meetings at Waterloo and Scipio, we came to 
Albany and attended' Friends' Meeting on Fifth day, which 
was to me a comfortable opportunity, being spent for the 
most part in silence, but towards the close I felt called to 
offer a brief exhortation. At a subsequent meeting in the 
same city, soon after taking my seat, a passage in the First 



Memoirs of Simuel M. Janney. 125 

Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (Chap. iii. 18.) was 
revived in my mind. " If any man among you seemeth to 
be wise in this world let him become a fool that he may be 
wise, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." 

From this I was led to show that we must cease to rely 
upon our own wisdom, that which stands in mere scholar- 
ship or intellectual attainment — and come into the child- 
like state of humble docility, willing and desirous to be 
taught of God who makes known His law in the secret of 
the feeart— the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. 

How beautiful is the simplicity of the Gospel ; how ad- 
mirably adapted to all conditions, requiring on our part 
only simplicity of heart and unreserved obedience. By 
means of this holy power revealed in the soul, the natural 
man is brought into subjection to the spiritual — we are 
made partakers of the Divine Nature, not by imputation 
but by transformation ; then the reconciliation or atone- 
ment is effected, which is a work of God in man through 
the revelation of Christ in us the hope of glory. 

On the 8th of Seventh month I arrived at home and 
found my family well, for which blessing I was thankful to 
the Author of all good, and in the retrospect of my jour- 
ney I felt peace of mind. 

After my return Caleb Carmalt wrote to me in reference 
to the views he had expressed at Genesee Yearly Meeting 
(and which were seconded by myself) in relation to the 
separation in the Society of Friends and the desirableness 
of a re-union. I replied, under date Seventh Month, 20th, 
1 85 1, as follows: 

" I often think of the views opened by thee and seconded 
by myself at the close of your Yearly Meeting, and the 
query rises in my mind, what can we do to promote so 
desirable a result as the re-union of the scattered fragments 



126 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

of this once favored Society? The answer seems to be that 
in our own wisdom and strength we can do nothing, but 
through Divine aid, when properly called and qualified, we 
may do much. The most important point is for us to live 
near the Divine Power, who will enable us to preach by 
example, and will open a way for us in the hearts of others 
when he calls us to labor in His vineyard. There is far too 
much reliance upon mere dogma and too little upon the 
indwelling of Christ, even among us, who profess a spiritual 
religion. The freedom of thought and expression prevail- 
ing among us has sometimes been attended by the promul- 
gation of views that shock the feelings of pious minds in 
other churches. Some of these liberal views, as they are 
called, are erroneous ; others have truth in them, but so 
unguardedly expressed as to pass for error with many who 
might otherwise receive them. I think the views we hold, 
if properly elucidated, would find an opening in the minds 
of many, for there is a spirit of inquiry abroad which seems 
to say : Who shall show us any good ? There are many 
among our Friends in the several Yearly Meetings who are 
competent to be useful as writers, and may I not say that 
thou art one of them ? 

" I have thought a series of essays or tracts written in a 
style to interest general readers, explanatory of our princi- 
ples, and interspersed with authentic anecdotes and short 
narratives, would circulate well among Friends and others. 
They might come out occasionally or periodically, and 
subscriptions could be obtained to promote their distribu- 
tion.' ' 

In a subsequent letter to the same friend, I wrote as fol- 
lows : "As to the ' re-union' spoken of in thy letter, I 
ardently desire it, provided it can be obtained without a 
sacrifice of principle, but I do not think the time has come 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 127 

for a direct proposition to the Orthodox Friends.. There 
is no prospect that it can take place while those old persons 
in both branches, who were concerned in the separation, 
are living. Some of the Orthodox Friends hold Trinita- 
rian doctrines, and think none can be saved who do not 
believe in a vicarious atonement. With these views they 
cannot coalesce with us. I am therefore of opinion that 
no direct approach should be made to them just now, ex- 
cept that in those places where we hold the property of the 
Society owned before the separation, we should offer them 
an equitable share according to numbers. 

" At our last Quarterly Meeting I proposed this measure 
and was glad to hear a favorable response from many influ- 
ential members, but it was thought best for the Yearly 
Meeting to take the initiatory steps. There is, however, 
a work for us to do in order to prepare the way for a future 
re-union, and that is to hold up the doctrines and princi- 
ples of the Society clearly and frankly, not blinking those 
points in which we differ from the Orthodox Friends, but 
showing that our doctrines are sustained by the Scriptures. 
In order to make our essays interesting, I would propose 
that we should sometimes introduce narratives or incidents 
from the lives of pious persons of other religious denomina- 
tions, as well as our own." 

The proposition for an equitable division of the property 
held by our branch of the Society, was brought before Bal- 
timore Yearly Meeting in the year 1852, but was not then 
carried, owing to the opposition of some elderly Friends. 
In the year 1864, under a sense of religious duty, I opened 
the subject again in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, when the 
proposition was unanimously adopted> and in the follow- 
ing year it was carried into effect, as related in my History 
of the Separation. 



128 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Soon after the publication of my " Life of William 
Penn," I was led to hope -that its cordial reception by the 
Orthodox Friends and the esteem they manifested for me, 
would enable me to do something towards promoting a re- 
union between the two branches of the Society of Friends. 
I felt assured that the obstacles to be removed existed 
mostly with them. Our branch of the Society had for 
many years treated them as Christian brethren, granting to 
their ministers the use of our meeting-houses, attending 
their meetings when appointed in our houses, and endeav- 
oring to heal the wounds" inflicted in the controversy that 
attended the separation. It was therefore with much plea- 
sure that I accepted an invitation from Thomas Evans, one 
of the most influential of their ministers, to visit him at his 
house in Philadelphia. I was cordially received, and we 
had a conversation on Christian doctrines that was very 
satisfactory to me. His chief object in seeking an inter- 
view was to express his sentiments in relation to my " Life 
of William Penn." According to my recollection of his 
remarks, he said the book was so good that he felt desirous 
that it should be made better by giving some extracts from 
the writings of Penn on doctrinal subjects. He proposed 
that I should insert a passage which he named in the 
" Sandy Foundation Shaken," an extract from Penn's 
letter to Doctor Collenger, and a passage from the Journal 
of George Fox concerning his conversation with Priest Ste- 
vens. I told him I would examine the passages and would 
comply with his request if I found it right to do so. 

The result of my examination was the insertion of the 
extract from the "Sandy Foundation Shaken,'' on page 54 
of the stereotyped edition of the work. 

In the Sixth month, 1852, I wrote to my friend, S. S. 
Randall, as follows : 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 129 

"In my last letter I informed thee that I was acting in 
conformity with thy suggestion by attempting a " Life of 
George Fox," and I now proceed to inflict the penalty I 
threatened, by sending for thy perusal the first four chapters 
of it. . . . After examining them please say whether 
in thy opinion I can make it a work that will interest gen- 
eral readers. I would not sacrifice religious principle to 
popularity, but I wish to make it interesting in order that 
it may have a wider scope of usefulness." 

Eighth Month, 27th, 1853. 

"Jane Johnson: — Esteemed Friend. * * * The work (Life of 
George Fox) on which I have, for some time past, been assiduously 
engaged, is now nearly completed, and I expect to come to Philadel- 
phiaearly next month to superintend the stereotyping of it. I have not 
usually spoken of it as a religious concern, being careful how I stamp 
my undertakings with that high authority, but it appeared to be right for 
me to begin it, and I have endeavored, while engaged in it, to keep my 
mind turned towards Him who alone can enable us to promote the 

glorious cause of righteousness and truth I think many 

Friends unite with me in a concern that the valuable treasures locked 
up in the writings of early Friends, may become better known to the 
world. They are like ingots of gold that require to be coined in order 
to make them a circulating medium, and I believe there are many, 
not of our Society, who are prepared to appreciate their value. 
A gift in the ministry I esteem a higher and more responsible trust 
than a talent for writing, but both should be held in subordination to 
the Spirit of Divine Truth, and then they will not interfere with one 
another. Having given up my school, I have now no other secular 
business except that of an author, and I wish to devote the remainder 
of my clays to the service of my Gracious Maker and Redeemer, and 
to seek by a nearer union with Him for a qualification to do His work." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

1854. 

Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and some 
Meetings belonging to them — Interviews with Richard Mott and 
Stephen Grellet — Letter to Dillwyn Parrish. 

Fourth month, 29th, left home, with my friend, John 
Smith, for companion, under a religious concern to attend 
Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and to 
appoint some meetings within their limits. 

After attending Concord Quarterly Meeting, we pro- 
ceeded to Abington Quarter, where we made our home 
with our dear ancient Friend, Isaac Parry, whose interesting 
and instructive conversation has contributed much to our 
enjoyment. 

Fifth month, 5th, were at Thomas Parry's, and went from 
his house to a meeting appointed for us at Friends' meeting 
house called Warminster. It was not a large meeting, but 
solemn and satisfactory. 

The omnipresence of Deity, not merely held as a specu- 
lative opinion, but as a fact made known by religious 
experience, was the principal subject on which I felt con- 
cerned to speak. 

I showed that this great truth when made known to us 
by the operation of Divine grace, is attended with an 
humbling sense of our weakness and nothingness, as in the 
case of the patriarch Job, who exclaimed, "I have heard 
of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth 
Thee, and I abhor myself in dust and ashes." 

After meeting went to Charles Kirk's, who, with Dr. 
(130) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 131 

Mitchell, accompanied us to visit a friend who has long been 
confined at home by sickness. We had a pleasant social 
visit and a short season of worship, in which our hearts 
were brought near each other in the life of the Lamb. 

Fifth month, Sixth, attended an appointed meeting at 
Upper Dublin in the afternoon. Found but little opening 
for Gospel Ministry, spoke but a short time, and was after- 
wards apprehensive I had said too much. 

Seventh, First-day, at Gwynedd. A large meeting, and 
favored with the evidence of Divine life, in which I was 
enabled to minister in the ability which God giveth. To 
Him alone be the praise. In the afternoon came to 
Philadelphia, and attended the evening meeting at Cherry 
Street. It was a solemn and satisfactory occasion. 

Ninth, at Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting. Although 
much weakness was acknowledged in the reports, and some 
expressions heard in the meeting that might have been 
spared, it was, upon the whole, satisfactory to find some 
improvement since I last attended. 

Eleventh, at Salem Quarterly Meeting. During the public 
meeting my mind was drawn forth in love to the people, 
and the spring of Gospel ministry was opened, which 
flowed freely. May it be blessed by Him who alone can 
give the increase. The meeting for discipline was trying, 
and somewhat discouraging from the evidence of weakness 
and disunity furnished by the reports. 

Thirteenth, Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders at 
Philadelphia. Although there is much weakness manifest, 
and some disunity acknowledged, it was, on the whole, a 
satisfactory meeting from the feeling of Divine life and 
love that prevailed. 

Fourteenth, First-day, a crowded meeting at Cherry 
Street in the forenoon, another at seven in the evening. 



132 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Several dear Friends were engaged in Gospel ministry to 
edification, and it pleased the Great Head of the Church 
to call me forth as one of the instruments for the exaltation 
of the blessed truth. 

Attended Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, which was very 
satisfactory. Much pertinent advice was expressed by 
many Friends, and the meeting at large appeared to enter 
into a lively exercise for the good of the body and the 
advancement of truth. Through Divine favor, I was 
enabled to take a share in it with acceptance to Friends. 

When the epistle to other Yearly Meetings was read, it 
appeared that the Committee had introduced into it a clause 
declaring that those who are engaged in what are called 
"Spiritual manifestations, through mediums," pretending 
to communicate with the dead, are " drunken, but not 
with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink." 
This was objected to by a minister living in Philadelphia, 
who said this meeting knew nothing about the subject, and 
ought not to meddle with it, or words to this effect. He 
was supported by several, but the great body of the meeting 
seemed to be in favor of retaining the clause, and some 
members spoke of the injurious effects of the delusion on 
this subject, by which many have been driven to insanity. 
A valued Friend objected to the offensive language 
employed in the epistle, and proposed that it should be 
modified by striking out some part of it. A proposition 
was also made to refer the epistle back to the Committee 
for revision, but many objected. At this stage of the dis- 
cussion, I rose to offer some views which had arisen in my 
mind. I adverted to the fundamental principle of Chris- 
tianity as professed by us, — the light of Christ, the spirit 
of Truth manifested to the seeking, devoted soul, as the 
only sure guide and dependence for salvation. They who 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 133 

seek for knowledge by a pretended communication with 
the spirits of the dead, forsake Him who is a fountain of 
living water, and hew out for themselves cisterns — broken 
cisterns that can hold no water. In relation to the clause 
in the epistle, I remarked that it was rather inappropriate 
to send forth such an admonition to other Yearly Meetings 
before this meeting had issued any advice on the subject to 
its own members. I therefore proposed that a suitable 
minute should be made, treating the subject in a kind and 
affectionate manner, which should be sent down to the 
subordinate meetings, and that the epistle to other Yearly 
Meetings should merely inform them of the advice this 
meeting had deemed it right to address to its members. 

This proposition met with general concurrence; the 
clerks were requested to prepare a minute expressive of the 
exercise of the meeting, and the epistle was referred back 
to the Committee to be modified. Next morning I met 
the clerks, by their request, and assisted in the preparation 
of their minute, which, on being read after the opening of 
the meeting, was accepted without objection. The epistle 
was also produced, having been modified and improved, 
and it was finally agreed to by the meeting after an inter- 
esting discussion. The clerks' minute is as follows : 

" Under a lively exercise for our preservation in the 
blessed truth, Friends have been affectionately cautioned 
against listening to the delusive voices that are in the world, 
which, pretending to be spiritual manifestations, would 
draw us away from the safe reliance, — Christy the light and 
life of the soul — the only medium by which we can attain 
to the saving knowledge of Divine truth. 

"George Fox says, 'To take counsel of the dead was 
forbidden by the law of God ; they were to take counsel of 
the Lord. He hath given Christ in the new covenant in 



134 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

his gospel day to be a counseller and leader to all believers 
in his light.' 

" This testimony is applicable to the present day, and 
shall we, who profess to be the followers of Christ, and 
who have been blessed with the light of the gospel, turn 
away from Him who is the fountain of living waters, and 
hew out for ourselves i cisterns, broken cisterns, that can 
hold no water ?" 

At the public meeting on Fifth-day, during Yearly 
Meeting week, being at Green Street, I was called forth in 
the ministry more extensively than is usual with me. The 
subject was opened by quoting the expression of Paul, 
" After the way that some call heresy, I worship the God 
of my fathers.' ' This was uttered by the Apostle at a time 
when the Christian Church was under much persecution 
and suffering. The Jews, though expecting the Messiah, 
refused to receive him when he came, because his appear- 
ance was more humble than suited their ambitious views. 
He came to bear witness to the truth, — " to call the atten- 
tion of mankind from the outward forms to the inward 
power of religion ; to the life of God in the soul of man 
as the only means by which we can be redeemed from sin 
and brought into union and communion with our Heavenly 
Father." This precious doctrine of the inward life, our 
Lord taught in His discourses, exemplified in his conduct, 
confirmed by his miracles, and sealed by his painful death 
and triumphant resurrection. He foresaw the consequences 
of the doctrines he taught, he knew that the Jewish hier- 
archy would conspire against him, and he prophesied of his 
sufferings and of his rising again from the dead. But his 
sufferings were not vicarious. The Most High never pun- 
ished the innocent as a substitute for the wicked. His 
language was, and still is, "The righteousness of the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. l 35 

righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the 
wicked shall be upon him : the soul that sinneth it shall 
die." But the soul which is dead in trespasses and sin may 
be raised into newness of life through the power of Christ 
inwardly revealed as a quickening spirit. It is true that 
the Apostle says Christ hath suffered for our sins — the just 
for the unjust — that he might bring us to God. Here the 
reason is assigned : the change is to be wrought in man, 
whereby he that was alienated through sin may, through 
repentance and amendment of life, be reconciled and 
brought unto God. 

In order to promulgate and exemplify this pure doctrine, 
the Apostles were sent forth, being endued with power 
from on high. By choosing His disciples from among 
fishermen and mechanics who had little or none of the 
world's erudition, and sending them forth without scrip or 
purse, saying, "Freely ye have received, freely give," the 
Divine Master has left an example for all succeeding gener- 
ations to show that his servants must minister of the ability 
that God giveth, not looking to man for their reward. 
The purity of their doctrine, the consistency of their lives 
and the abundant effusions of the Holy Spirit caused mul- 
titudes to flock to the Christian church. With numbers 
came wealth and power. The princes of the earth sought 
an alliance with the church, and lavished honors on her 
ministers, by which they were corrupted and a long night 
of apostacy ensued. With the Protestant Reformation 
light rose upon the world, but those valiant men who were 
engaged in its promotion, although they may have lived 
up to the light they had, saw but imperfectly in the early 
dawn. 

They retained some of the relics of papal superstition, 
and by instituting an established order of clergy who alone 



136 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

were supposed capable of imparting religious knowledge, 
they obstructed the progress of the light. George Fox and 
his co-laborers were called and qualified by Divine grace 
to revive primitive Christianity by calling the attention of 
men to the only saving power, the life of God in the soul 
by obedience to which we may be regenerated and made par- 
takers of the Divine nature. This ' i law of the spirit of life 
in Christ Jesus/' by which we are made free from the " law 
of sin and death," that "wars in our members," is the 
root from which all the precious testimonies of Truth have 
sprung, and it is only as we abide in Him, the true vine, 
that we can bring forth fruits to the glory of God and the 
advancement of our own happiness. The early Friends, like 
the primitive Christians, were contemned and persecuted, 
but the purity of their lives and the excellence of their 
testimonies won the admiration of the world, and they not 
only obtained toleration for religious tenets and worship, 
but in process of time were applauded and caressed to 
their own hurt. They were generally spoken of as "the 
very respectable Society of Friends." Many of the mem- 
bers became rich, and some of this class who had no depth 
of religious experience, became active in the administration 
of discipline. A spirit of domination began to appear, 
abstruse points of doctrine were insisted on and sought to 
be made tests of soundness in religious faith, dissatisfac- 
tion and hostility were manifested in meetings for disci- 
pline and worship, until a large part of this Yearly Meet- 
ing, believing it their duty to withdraw from scenes of 
dissension and altercation, met in this house twenty-seven 
years ago and determined to re-organize the Society on its 
ancient principles. They introduced no new doctrines, nor 
did they make any change of moment in the discipline 
previously existing, but they recurred to first principles, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 137 

and placing their reliance upon Divine love as their bond 
of Union, they asserted once more the religious liberty en- 
joyed by their fathers. This religious Society has not yet 
accomplished its work, as some appear to think, for there 
is a vast field of labor open to us, the fields are white 
already to harvest, and it should be the prayer of our 
hearts that the Lord would send forth more laborers. 

Fifth month, 25th, attended Monthly Meeting at Chat- 
ham, New York, and in the afternoon was at the house of 
John Coffin, where, in a meeting for worship appointed 
for the purpose, my son John took in marriage, Eliza T., 
the daughter of John Coffin. It was a solemn meeting, 
and I believed it my duty to make some remarks on the 
importance of seeking Divine aid to enable us to perform 
the duties of the marriage covenant. 

Fifth month, 27th, attended New York Yearly Meeting 
of ministers and elders, both morning and afternoon to 
good satisfaction. 

First-day, 28th, at Rose Street Meeting for worship 
where I was called forth in gospel ministry. The subject 
was the Omnipresence of Deity and the influence of Divine 
grace upon the soul, as set forth in the address of the 
Apostle Paul to the Athenians. From this I was led to 
consider the object of Christ's Mission, the ministry of the 
Apostles, the spread of Christianity, the Apostacy, the 
Protestant Reformation, the revival of primitive Christian- 
ity among the early Friends, and the principles and testi- 
monies of our religious Society. I thought I was favored, 
but on taking my seat, was apprehensive I had not dwelt 
sufficiently long on our testimony against slavery. A 
friend arose soon after, and among other interesting re- 
marks which she made, the evils of slavery were commented 
on with much feeling. 



138 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Some of the sittings of the Yearly Meeting were seasons 
of painful exercise, but the last was highly favored, and the 
closing one was crowned with the evidence of Divine 
life. My Divine Master graciously condescended to em- 
ploy me in His service to my own humbling admiration. 
As I came away from the last sitting my heart was filled 
with Divine love, and the language seemed to arise "Be- 
hold I have set before thee an open door." 

Sixth-day, Sixth month, 2d. Having received an invita- 
tion from Richard Mott, now in his 86th year, a minister 
of the other branch of the Society of Friends called Or- 
thodox, I went to see him at his lodgings. We had no 
personal acquaintance, but he received me very cordially. 
He expressed the satisfaction he had derived from my 
"Life of Penn," and his intention to read my "Life of 
George Fox ' ' as soon as he could procure it. He asked me 
whether I was willing to have it criticised. I replied that 
it was just what I wished him to do, for I desired to know 
whether we differed in sentiment, and on what points we 
disagreed. He inquired what I had done with George Fox's 
letter to the Governor of Barbadoes. I told him it was com- 
posed almost entirely of Scripture phrases, and that I had 
arranged it in parallel columns with extracts from his other 
writings to show what he understood those Scripture texts 
to mean. I further remarked that I supposed he would be 
satisfied with my exposition of George Fox's views on the 
Divinity of Christ, but perhaps he might not be satisfied 
with my rejection of the doctrine of Vicarious Satisfaction, 
which I think George Fox also rejected. He replied that 
this is not an essential doctrine. I then remarked that we 
could tolerate this doctrine in others, or even in our own 
members, but we could not believe it, nor submit to its 
being made a test of soundness in faith. I observed, more- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 139 

over, that George Fox, in one of his doctrinal essays, had re- 
ferred to most of the passages in the New Testament which 
speak of the efficacy of the blood of Christ, and has shown 
that the blood is the Life — the indwelling of Divine Power. 

Richard Mott and another Orthodox Friend who sat by, 
assented to this doctrine. Richard expressed the senti- 
ment that we who are called Hicksites do not now hold the 
views of Elias Hicks, who, in his opinion, had imbibed 
some of Priestley's views, which were inconsistent with the 
doctrines of Friends. I replied that we did not profess to 
be followers of Elias Hicks, nor acknowledge the name of 
Hicksites. If we must take the name of any man we 
should choose to be called Foxites, but we profess to be 
followers of Christ. As to Elias Hicks, we think he was a 
good man. Yes, said Richard, he was a strictly moral 
man. 

I queried whether he was not a man of devotional feel- 
ings? He answered, yes, he was at one time of his life. 
I then remarked that it was difficult for men who had been 
arrayed against each other in religious controversy, to judge 
impartially of each other's characters, therefore, we must 
make some allowance for his estimate of Elias Hicks. He 
smiled and said, Oh ! we were wrong on both sides at the 
time of the separation. We both acted under the influence 
of excitement, and nothing can be done rightly in religious 
concerns under such feelings. 

I inquired of him whether there were not objectionable 
passages in the writings of J. J. Gurney? He admitted 
that there were expressions that he would not have used, 
but J. J. G. had in the latter part of his life expunged many 
of them and had shown much submission to the judgment 
of his friends. He described Gurney as a man of exalted 
principles, pure benevolence and genuine piety. I ad- 



140 Memoirs of Sa?nuel M. Jamiey. 

mitted that lie was a good and pious man, but supposed he 
was not a Quaker of the Foxite stamp in his doctrines. 

At parting with Richard Mott he expressed his satisfac- 
tion with the interview, and said he thought we did not 
differ essentially in our doctrinal views. 

Sixth-month, 4th. Having come into the vicinity of 
Westbury, Long Island, we went on First-day morning 
with our kind friends, William Cock and wife, to Cow 
Neck Meeting, which was also attended by Eleazer Havil- 
and, from Nine Partners, and by Rebecca Price, a minister 
from Gunpowder in Maryland. She is on a religious visit, 
accompanied by Isaac Dixon and wife. In the afternoon we 
were at an appointed meeting at Matinecock and in the 
evening attended one at Oyster Bay. In all these meetings, 
our friend Rebecca spoke acceptably in the early part, 
which seemed to open the way for me, and I trust I had 
good service in the cause of Truth. At Oyster Bay the 
meeting was composed chiefly of those not members of our 
Society, and much openness was felt in the communication 
of religious instruction. 

On Second-day, we attended appointed meetings at 
Westbury and Jericho, and on Third-day at Bethpage and 
Jerusalem; our friend, Rebecca Price, and her companions, 
being with us. These meetings were small, except the last, 
which was attended by some not in membership with us. 

Sixth month, 7th, attended Monthly Meeting in the 
City of New York, and had some religious service, showing 
the manner and the spirit in which discipline should be 
exercised in the Christian Church, under the restoring in- 
fluence of Gospel love. 

In the evening, attended an appointed meeting at 
Flushing, Long Island, but the weather being unfavorable, 
it was small. Our Friend, Rebecca Price, spoke acceptably, 



Memoirs of Sa?nuel M. Janney. 141 

and, after long waiting, I believed it right to appear in the 
ministry, and, towards the close, felt some life to arise, 
which, I trust, was also felt by others. 

On Fifth-day, attended Monthly Meeting at Flushing, 
which was small, and then we returned to the City of New 
York, where I had appointed a meeting to be held in the 
evening at Hester Street house. It was attended by a con 
siderable number of Friends and others. 

The discourse of our Saviour with Martha and Mary was 
brought before the view of my mind, and I was led to 
speak on it, commencing with these words addressed to 
Mary : " The Master is come and calleth for thee." One 
of the sisters said to him, " If thou hadst been here our 
brother had not died." He answered, " Thy brother shall 
rise again/ ' She said, " I know he will arise in the resur- 
rection at the last day. ' ' He replied, ' i I am the resurrection 
and the life. He that believeth on me, though he were 
dead, yet shall he live ; and he that liveth and believeth 
on me shall never die." On considering this emphatic 
language of the Messiah, some reflections arose and were 
expressed concerning the character and mission of the 
wonderful personage by whom they were spoken. The 
most highly favored servants of God among the prophets 
and apostles would not have dared to use such language in 
reference to themselves, but it seems to us to be dignified and 
appropriate, coming from the lips of the Son of God. We 
read in the Epistle to the Hebrews, that " God, who at 
sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto 
the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken 
unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all 
things, by whom, also, He made the world." 

In the person of Jesus Christ was a full manifestation of 
that Eternal Word which was in the beginning with God, 



142 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

and was God. " In him was life, and the life was the light 
of men, even the true light which lighteth every man that 
cometh into the world. It pleased the Father that in him 
should all fulness dwell, and of his fulness have all we 
received and grace for grace. " His soul was the temple 
of Deity; for he had a soul, as He declared, " My soul is 
exceeding sorrowful unto death," — and that soul has not 
ceased to exist : but is now glorified in Heaven as the 
head or chief member of that spiritual body, the Church, 
which is made up of the faithful servants of God of all ages 
and nations. 

He said to his disciples, U I am the vine, and ye are 
the branches, and my Father is the husbandman." Now 
the branches cannot be equal to the vine from which they 
draw their nourishment, nor can they have life any longer 
than they are united to the vine ; so the members of the 
Church of Christ can only retain their vitality and bring 
forth fruit by their union with him through the influence 
of His life-giving spirit. It is only through obedience to 
this spirit of Divine grace in the soul, that we can experi- 
ence the kingdom of Heaven, or reign of God, to be 
established within us, by which the carnal nature will be 
brought into subjection, and the spiritual birth brought 
forth, so that " being made partakers of the Divine nature " 
through the spirit of Christ, we can say Abba-Father. 

It was evidently the design of the coming of Christ in 
the flesh " to bear witness to the Truth, and to bring life 
and immortality to light through the Gospel." This was 
the main purpose of his sublime discourses, his wonderful 
miracles, his patient sufferings and his triumphant resur- 
rection. His wonderful work in healing the sick, cleansing 
the lepers, opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the 
ears of the deaf, and raising the dead to life, were adapted 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 143 

to the condition of people in that age, in order to confirm 
His doctrines. It was a great epoch in the history of the 
human race ; for no event since the creation has been so 
important to man as the introduction of Christianity; 
therefore it is not unreasonable to believe that the mission 
of Christ was attested by miracles. Jle who created and 
controls the Universe can bestow upon his ministers and 
messengers a spiritual power superior to all natural laws ; 
and even at this day He, through the spirit of Christ, per- 
forms in man greater works than the outward miracles of 
the Messiah. Ashe said to his disciples, "The works 
that I do shall ye do also, and greater works than these, 
because I go to my Father." To cleanse us from the 
leprosy of sin, to open our spiritual perceptions, to enable 
us to hear the Divine word, to raise the soul from the death 
of sin to the life of righteousness are more important and 
far more enduring works of Divine power than any out- 
ward miracles. We cannot save ourselves from a single sin 
or lust but as we turn to the principle of light and life in 
the soul, and rely upon it \ avoiding all that we know to be 
wrong, and doing all that we see to be right. Our spiritual 
perceptions will improve, the light will become clearer to 
our vision, and we shall be led in a path that we have not 
known : a path of purity and self-denial. By this purifying 
process, through the operation of Divine grace, the natural 
man will be subdued, and we shall be enabled to love all 
mankind — even our enemies, which no man can do in the 
unregenerate state. It will become the chief desire and 
effort of the redeemed soul to promote the glory of God 
and the good of all mankind. The root of evil in the heart 
being eradicated, the true disciple of Christ cannot fight, 
nor enslave, nor oppress his fellow-men, but will follow the 
example of him who went about doing good. Through- 



144 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

out the whole process of man's redemption the work will 
be performed in us by Divine power, as. we yield obedience 
and co-operate therewith. Hence we can take no merit to 
ourselves, but unto " Him that worketh in us," must be 
ascribed "All honour and praise and glory forever. " 

After a pause, supplication was offered, a solemn and 
impressive silence prevailed, and the meeting concluded 
under the precious feeling of Divine life. 

Sixth month, nth, First-day. — Attended meeting at Pur- 
chase, West Chester County, New York. Through Divine 
favor, I was enabled to appear in the ministry with accept- 
ance. In the afternoon we had an appointed meeting at 
Chappaqua. After sitting some time, the subject of Paul's 
conversion and previous life came before my mind, but 
not with a clear evidence of duty to speak of it. I think I 
rose too early, without sufficient qualification to speak, and 
after proceeding for awhile in a feeble manner, I found no 
life to go forward, and sat down rather abruptly. Under 
a sense of deep humiliation, I sat still for some time, and, 
a little light appearing, I rose again and gave a short 
exhortation on practical righteousness and spiritual devo- 
tion. 

On leaving the meeting, my mind was brought into a 
state of deep humiliation from an apprehension that I had, 
through inadvertence or haste, burdened some feeling 
minds, and marred the work I was sent to accomplish. 
Feeling no strength to go forward nor any authority to 
appoint more meetings, I concluded to turn my face home- 
ward, and attend by the way Haddonneld Quarterly Meet- 
ing in New Jersey. 

13th. — Arrived at the house of our kind Friends, Isaac 
and Mary Lippincott. 

14th. — Attended Quarterly Meeting of ministers and 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 145 

elders. A solemn meeting, where I was favored to speak 
a word in season, which was attended with life, and 
brought peace to my own mind. 

Sixthmonth, 15th. — Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting. In 
the meeting for worship my mind was brought into a state 
of solemn waiting upon God, and the remark of Agrippa 
to Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian, " 
was brought before me as a subject for meditation. I felt 
no authority to speak on it, and, remaining in silent wait- 
ing, a query arose in my mind, " Why is it that we minis- 
ters of the Society of Friends quote so much Scripture to 
corroborate our doctrines ?' ' On this subject I felt author- 
ity to speak, and was favored with an easy and continuous 
flow of ideas, which I endeavored to clothe in plain and 
simple language. The Scriptures I compared to a chart 
left for our guidance by the holy men of old, who had 
safely performed the voyage of life. In them we may find 
described the rocks and shoals where others have been 
wrecked, and the channels which lead to our destined port 
of eternal rest. But the chart without a compass would be 
of little avail, and the Bible without the inward monitor, 
which points to the polar Star of Truth, would not be 
sufficient for man's salvation. There is no saving power 
but that of God, who declared, through the mouth of his 
prophet, "I, even I, am the Lord, and besides me there 
is no Saviour. ' ' Some may query, Was not Jesus Christ a 
Saviour? Yes, we acknowledge him as a Saviour, for 
God dwelt in him, and wherever God is there is the 
Saviour. It pleased the father that in him should all ful- 
ness dwell, and of his fulness have all we received, and 
grace for grace. ' ' 

The Apostle declares that Jesus was the first born among 
many brethren \ that he is the head of the Church, the chief 

10 



146 Me?noirs of Samuel M. Janney* 

member of that spiritual body which is made up of the 
faithful servants of God of all ages and nations. He de- 
clared himself " I am the vine, ye are the branches and my 
Father is the husbandman. M Now, the branch does not 
bear the vine, but it is supported by the vine and derives 
its nourishment through the vine. May we therefore main- 
tain our connection with the true vine by obedience to the 
manifestations of Divine grace, through which we may be 
renewed in the image of Him who created us. By this 
means the natural appetites and desires will become sub- 
jected, the spiritual nature developed in us, and that glo- 
rious change of heart perfected by which we may become 
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. The meeting 
was solemn and the evidence of Divine life and love seemed 
to prevail. 

Our dear friend, Sarah Hunt, appeared in supplication 
with thanksgiving for the favors vouchsafed to us ; and I 
came away rejoicing. The cloud of discouragement that 
had attended my mind for some days was removed, and I 
felt at liberty to appoint several meetings within the com- 
pass of Haddonfield Quarter. 

17th. — We came to Riverton and staid with our beloved 
friend, Dillwyn Parrish. 

1 8th. — Accompanied by Dillwyn Parrish, we attended 
meeting at Moorestown on First-day morning. It was a 
large meeting and a favored opportunity. In the afternoon 
we had an appointed meeting at Westfield, also a good 
time. 

19th. — Had an appointed meeting at Evesham, in which 
we were blessed with the evidence of our Heavenly Fath- 
er's love. 

In the evening at 7^ o'clock had a meeting at H addon- 
field. It was a season of Divine favor, for which I felt 
thankful. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 147 

20th. — We came to Burlington in company with our 
friend, D. Parrish, and called to see Stephen Grellet, an 
aged and well known minister of the gospel, who belongs 
to the other section of the Society of Friends. He is feeble 
in health, but cheerful and affable. I told him I had read 
of him in the "Life of Wm. Allen," and that I had felt a 
wish to become acquainted with him. He spoke very 
affectionately of his deceased friend, Wm. Allen, and 
alluded to their travels on the continent of Europe, their 
interviews with the Emperor Alexander of Russia, and 
other remarkable occurrences. I remarked that I had 
been informed of his visit to the Pope of Rome and the 
Inquisition of Italy and Spain. He then related many 
interesting and remarkable particulars concerning those 
visits which took place after Wm. Allen had left him. In 
the first place, he alluded to his intercourse with General 
or Admiral Maitland, the British commander in the 
Mediterranean, who, although he was considered an imper- 
ious and haughty man, had shown him especial favor. He 
had an interview with this officer at Corfu, who on being 
informed of his intention to visit Italy, had offered to send 
him in his own frigate, but the offer being declined on 
conscientious grounds, he then tendered to Stephen letters 
and despatches to some of the chief dignitaries of Italy. On 
Stephen's arrival at Rome, being furnished with letters to 
the Cardinal, who was then the Prime Minister of Pope 
Pius VII, he was permitted by this functionary to visit all 
the prisons of Rome, where he found much bad manage- 
ment and inhuman treatment of the prisoners. He noted 
down what he saw, and wrote some suggestions for a refor- 
mation of the prisoners. These suggestions were kindly 
received by the Cardinal, and measures taken to reform 
the abuses discovered. Stephen then asked him some 



148 Memoirs of Samuef M. Janney. 

questions concerning the Inquisition. The Cardinal an- 
swered that it had been suppressed. Stephen replied, I 
have no doubt it is as thou sayest, but when I go home to 
America, how shall I assure my friends and others that it is 
discontinued unless I see it. The Cardinal said it was 
never visited by strangers, and it would be difficult to gain 
access to it, but he would endeavor to obtain permission. 
A few days afterwards permission was given to visit every 
part of it. He was accompanied through it by the Secre- 
tary of the Grand Inquisition. 

There he saw the chambers where the victims of bigotry 
were imprisoned, the halls where they were tried, and 
some of the instruments of torture, but not many. In one 
room he was shown the books in which were recorded the 
trial, condemnation and punishment of the prisoners dur- 
ing several centuries. These books were like the Mercan- 
tile Day-book and Ledger, and seemed to be kept with 
great care. He was also shown the library of condemned 
books. It was a large collection, and in each book there 
was a statement of the grounds of its condemnation, with 
references to the obnoxious passages. The Inquisition was, 
I think, discontinued during the ascendency of the French 
in Italy and Spain, but afterwards revived when their 
forces were withdrawn. Stephen related to us his inter- 
view with the Pope, to whom he spoke plainly concerning 
the licentiousness prevailing in Rome and the lewdness of 
the clergy. He told him it was a reproach that such 
wickedness should abound in a city professing to be the 
religious Metropolis of the world. The Pope admitted the 
truth of the charge, and lamented his inability to remedy 
the evil. He said many persons supposed because he was 
Pope that he had absolute power, but it was not so. He 
received, without offence, the remarks that were made, and 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 149 

Stephen feeling his mind drawn to address him in relation 
to his own spiritual condition, did so, and alluded to the 
remarkable vicissitudes he (the Pope) had experienced. On 
taking leave the Pope expressed his desire that his visitor 
might experience the Divine blessing and protection. 
This, I think, is the substance of the relation given to us 
by Stephen Grellet, in which we were deeply interested. 

21st. — Accompanied by my friend, John Parrish, I called 
to see Richard Mott, who lives with his daughter-in-law 
near Burlington. He received us very cordially, and 
alluded pleasantly to the interview he had with me in New 
York. He and his daughter spoke of the pleasure their 
reading circle, last winter, derived from reading my "Life 
of Wm. Penn." He had not yet had an opportunity to 
read my "Life of George Fox," but intended to procure it. 
She said she much regretted to learn that it was defective 
on the doctrine of the atonement. I answered that they 
ought not to condemn it without examination, and alluded 
to the admission of Richard Mott in New York that the 
doctrine of Vicarious Satisfaction is not essential. He 
replied that the word vicarious was not used in the Scrip- 
tures, and queried what I understood by it. 

I told him that I understood its sense as used in relation 
to the atonement to mean that Jesus Christ suffered as a 
substitute for us by bearing the punishment due to sin, 
which I thought was not stated in the Scriptures, neither 
the word vicarious nor the idea conveyed by its being found 
there. This was admitted by Richard Mott, but contro- 
verted by his daughter-in-law, who said the meaning was 
found in Scriptures if not the word. I stated my belief to 
be that the work of reconciliation is wrought in man in 
order to bring him into union with God, for there can be 
no change in Deity, and that the effect of Christ's suffer- 



150 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

ings on the Cross, as well as the operation of His spirit in 
the souls of men, was and is to bring about this change of 
heart as declared by the Apostle, "God was in Christ 
reconciling the world unto Himself." To this view 
Richard Mott agreed, and said that the Deity is unchange- 
able. Some one present alluded to the criticism on my 
"Life of Fox," which appeared in The Friend, edited by 
Charles Evans, of Philadelphia. I then stated that I had 
shown the Dissertations on Doctrine to Thomas Evans 
before its publication. I stated, moreover, that Thomas 
had advised me to insert only extracts from the works of 
George Fox, omitting the inferences, although he appeared 
to assent to my summary of the doctrines in that essay. 

On taking leave of Richard Mott he pressed us to return 
after meeting and dine with him, which did not suit our 
arrangements, and was therefore respectfully declined. 

We attended Friends' meeting at Burlington in the 
forenoon, and in the evening had an appointed meeting at 
Mount Holly. 

The former of these meetings was comfortable to my 
feelings, and the latter was crowned with the overshadow- 
ing of Divine goodness, in which I was enabled to deliver 
doctrine that I trust was owned by the witness for truth in 
the hearts of the audience. 

After attending meetings at Rancocas, Old Springfield, 
and Chesterfield, we came to the city of Trenton. Our 
meeting there was attended by many not of our commun- 
ion, and I trust I was furnished with ability to labor in the 
Master's cause, "rightly dividing the word of truth." 

The subject that opened to my mind was the original 
and present state of man. He was created in the image 
of God, that is in a state of purity and uprightness, and he 
then enjoyed union and communion with his Creator. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 151 

But he was not intended to be so independent as to know 
of himself good and evil without Divine assistance, and 
when he presumed to be as a God knowing good and evil, 
setting up his own will above the Divine will, he became 
carnally-minded, which is death. In this fallen state he 
could not partake of the tree of life nor enjoy the happi- 
ness of Paradise, for the flaming sword turned every way 
to exclude him therefrom. This is still experienced by all 
who transgress the Divine law and become carnally-minded. 
The sword of the Spirit smites them, the reproofs of instruc- 
tion are witnessed within them, and it is only by submit- 
ting to this sword which slays the carnal nature, that they 
can be restored to Paradise. The guilt of Adam is not 
transmitted nor imputed to any of his descendants, but we 
become sinners in the same way that he did, for "sin is 
the transgression of the law," and as in the case of infants, 
where there is no law there is no transgression. 

This position was further confirmed by reference to the 
language of the Most High through the Prophet Ezekiel, 
"Ye shall no more have this proverb in Israel." "The 
fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are 
set on edge," etc. 

The object of Christ's coming and suffering in the flesh 
and the effect of his spiritual manifestation in the heart were 
opened, and an earnest invitation was extended to all pre- 
sent to embrace the offers of redeeming love, and devote 
their lives to the service of God. 

Sixth month, 24th. — Parted with my dear friend John 
Smith, he being too unwell to proceed with me. This 
separation was a trial to us both, but I trust we can say the 
Lord's will be done. In company with my friend John 
Parrish, we came from Trenton to Burlington and called 
on Richard Mott, with whom we spent some hours and 



152 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

dined. It was a satisfactory visit which I shall remember 
with pleasure. 

25th.— Attended meeting in the morning at Bristol, in the 
afternoon at Byberry, and at night in Germantown. They 
were satisfactory, and in the first two especially I was, 
through Divine favor, furnished with matter I trust adapted 
to the states of the people. After attending Abington and 
Byberry Monthly Meetings, I felt that I had performed the 
service allotted me. 

The following letter was addressed to my friend, Dillwyn 
Parrish, of Philadelphia. 

Eighth Month, 25th, 1856. 

" Dear Friend : — Since I saw thee I have often thought of the 
suggestion thou offered, that I should undertake a history of the So- 
ciety of Friends, and bring it down so as to include the Separation of 
1827--8. Many years ago John Jackson suggested to me that I should 
write a history of the Separation, which I was then unwilling to at- 
tempt, thinking the time had not come, and more recently a history of 
the Society has been suggested to me by some of my friends. I feel 
that it would be a great undertaking, requiring research, labor and 
experience, and several years time for its accomplishment, yet upon 
reflection, it appears to me that some one ought to undertake it. The 
doctrines and testimonies of the Society are of great importance to the 
world, and I think the time will come when they will be more highly 
appreciated than they have ever yet been. 

" The history of the Society should be not merely a detail of the 
disciplinary proceedings, with biographical sketches of its most promi- 
nent members, but a comprehensive statement of the rise and spread- 
ing of its testimonies, the development of its doctrines, and the 
influence they have exerted upon the world. 

" I think I feel a growing interest and concern in relation to this 
matter. I have for many years endeavored to hold myself in readi- 
ness for any service that the arrangements of Divine Providence and 
the promptings of religious duty seemed to require of me. When my 
friend, S. S. Randall, of New York, suggested that a new " Life of 



Memoirs of Samitel M. Janney. 153 

William Penn " was needed, and urged me to undertake it. I took it 
into consideration, and found it consistent with my sense of duty; but 
without his encouragement it is probable I should never have thought 
myself competent for the work. He also recommended the Life of 
Fox, as a subject for my pen, which coincided with my own judgment. 
Both works have been executed as a "labor of love," affording peace 
to my own mind and attended with the approbation of Friends. 

" The work now proposed will be more difficult and laborious, and 
I shall not attempt it without the sympathy and encouragement of 
judicious Friends in your city. 

Thy cordial friend, 

S. M. Janney." 

My friend, Dillwyn Parrish, consulted some Friends in 
Philadelphia in relation to the proposed work, which they 
desired me to undertake, and they offered to assist in ob- 
taining material. The books and manuscripts in their 
possession were freely offered for my use, and they imported 
from London a large number of rare books, which, after I 
had used them, were placed in Friends' Library at Race 
Street meeting-house. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

1857. 

Receives a minute to attend Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meetings, and 
to appoint and attend some meetings within their limits — Is taken 
with a hemorrhage from the lungs in Illinois — Attends meetings in 
much weakness— Reflections upon the state of the Society of Friends 
in the West — Salutations from London Yearly meeting read at the 
Representative Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting — A reply 
to it by him and some others — Some account of the life and death of 
his son John. 

Eighth Month, 21st. — Having for some time past felt a 
religious concern to visit Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meet- 



154 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 

ings, and to appoint and attend some meetings within 
their limits, I obtained a minute of concurrence from 
our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, and set out alone ; 
but am to be joined in a few days by my daughter C. and 
my friend Elijah Holmes, who has agreed to be my com- 
panion on this journey. 

Eighth Month, 23d. — Last evening I arrived at Browns- 
ville in the stage, and was kindly received by my friends, 
Elisha Bennett and wife. 

First-day morning I attended the usual meeting at West- 
land, about seven miles from Brownsville. Arriving a short 
time before the appointed hour, but little notice could be 
given, and the meeting was small. The Orthodox Friends 
of the Gurney party were at the same time holding a meet- 
ing in the other end of the house with nothing but a board 
partition between us. This circumstance, together with 
the dilapidated condition of the building, affected my mind 
with a feeling of gloom, but after sitting a considerable 
time, a sense of duty impelled me to rise and commence 
with these words, "Except the Lord build the house they 
labor in vain that build it ; except the Lord keep the city 
the watchman walketh but in vain." As I proceeded 
there seemed to be some evidence of life, and I trust some 
impression of good was made. In the afternoon the meet- 
ing at Red Stone (near Brownsville) was attended by the 
few Friends there in connection with us, and by a consid- 
erable number of Wesleyans and others. I thought the 
life and love of the gospel were felt, and I felt the reward 
of peace. 

Eighth Month, 26th. — At New Brighton, I mentioned to 
my friend, Edward Hoopes, my concern to hold a meet- 
ing for the citizens generally, and he procured the use of 
the Methodist meeting-house, as that of Friends is too 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 155 

small and not favorably situated. A large number of dif- 
ferent denominations attended, and soon after the meeting 
was gathered into stillness I made some remarks upon the 
subject of Divine worship, showing that the benefit to be 
derived from such opportunities depended upon the opera- 
tion of Divine grace upon each individual, for it is not in 
the power of any minister, however gifted, to confer spir- 
itual blessings which must be received immediately from 
the Head of the church. It is therefore the duty of all 
who are assembled for Divine worship to turn their atten- 
tion to that ever-present Power who alone can aid us, and 
as we watch for the influences of His grace, waiting upon 
Him in humble reverence, we shall be enabled to see our 
own states and conditions, and being made sensible of our 
spiritual wants, the prayer of faith may be offered up, which 
is always acceptable in the Divine sight. After this intro- 
duction, the subject of Christ's Spiritual Kingdom was 
opened to my view, and I was enabled to show that the 
Rock on which it is founded is the immediate revelation of 
Divine Power in the soul — the same Holy Power which 
enlightened the mind of the Apostle and enabled him to 
say to the Divine Master, " Thou art the Christ the son of 
the living God." 

The meeting, I thought, was brought under the solemn- 
izing influence of Divine Power, and I trust many hearts 
were touched with a sense of the goodness and mercy of 
God, who wills not the death of the sinner, but that all 
should return, repent and live. 

The next morning I took the cars and came to Colum- 
biana, where I attended their stated meeting on Fifth-day. 
In the evening I came to Salem, Ohio, and the following 
day being joined by my companion Elijah Holmes, we 
went with Samuel Town send to attend a meeting he had 



156 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

appointed at New Lisbon. It was intended chiefly for 
persons who were members of our Society, but have been 
concerned with those who have taken the name of " Pro- 
gressive Friends." 

There being but few of them now in the neighborhood, 
the meeting was very small. Samuel Townsend was favored 
as I thought, to speak pertinently and feelingly to them, 
holding forth encouragement to come back into unity with 
the body, by a reliance upon that Divine Principle which 
we believe will guide into all truth. I followed him with 
a brief exhortation, showing that all true reformation and 
progress in the human family must proceed from within ; 
and by the axe being laid to the root of the corrupt tree in 
the heart. 

They seemed grateful and comforted with our labor of 
love, and we parted with them in Christian feeling. 

29th. — Attended the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 
Elders — a satisfactory time. 

30th, First-day. — Meeting in the forenoon was large, and 
I thought a favored opportunity. I made a few remarks 
soon after it was gathered, intended to draw the attention 
of all to the only source of spiritual aid and to the great 
object of Divine worship. Samuel Townsend followed in 
a communication that was instructive and practical. In 
the afternoon meeting, which had been appointed at my 
request, I was exercised in gospel ministry, I trust, with 
some degree of that holy anointing which alone can qualify 
for the Lord's work. 

Eighth month, 31st. — The Yearly Meeting was opened 
this morning, the epistles from other Yearly Meetings 
read, and a committee appointed to answer them. 

In the evening, at a meeting of the Representative Com- 
mittee, I spread before them a concern that I felt for the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 157 

circulation, among our members and other inquiring 
minds, of the writings of Friends for the promotion of 
Christian principles. It took hold of the Committee, a 
general concurrence was expressed, and another meeting 
appointed to consider it. 

I attended the adjourned meeting, when the subject was 
further considered, and a general desire expressed that 
libraries of suitable books for imparting religious know- 
ledge might be established within the compass of every 
Monthly meeting of Friends. It was concluded to recom- 
mend the subject to the favorable consideration of the 
Yearly meeting. 

On the last day of the Yearly meeting the recommenda- 
tion of the Representative Committee in relation to books 
was taken into consideration, and, being concurred in, it 
was referred to the Monthly meetings for their action, and 
the Representative Committee was requested to aid them. 

During the several sittings of the Yearly meeting much 
harmony prevailed, the business was transacted in brotherly 
love, and many living testimonies were borne to the excel- 
lency of those Christian testimonies we are called upon to 
bear. Several members had for many years stood aloof, 
and absented themselves from meetings on account of the 
schism which took place some years ago, when those called 
Progressive Friends set up separate meetings. These 
Friends have not been disowned, or, at least, very few of 
them, and now being invited to attend the Yearly meeting 
some of them came and sat with us, much to our satisfac- 
tion, and I trust, also, to their benefit. 

Immediately after the close of the Yearly meeting we 
left Salem, and I, with my daughter, came to Richmond, 
near which my sister Anna and her husband reside. After 
spending one night with them, I proceeded to Dublin, 



158 Memoirs of Samuei M. Janney. 

eighteen miles, to attend Whitewater Quarterly meeting. 
It was held to my satisfaction, and I thought it a good 
meeting. The most interesting business before it was a 
proposition from Fall Creek Monthly meeting to modify 
a rule of discipline adopted last year by Indiana Yearly 
meeting authorizing Monthly meetings to cut off from 
membership, without dealing with them, those who are con- 
cerned in what are called spiritual manifestations, or 
professing to hold intercourse with the spirits of deceased 
persons. It is proposed to modify this rule, so as to labor 
with such to convince them of their error, and to reclaim 
them, as in all other cases of offences. 

On the subject of dealing with offenders, I thought it 
right to make some remarks, showing that the great object 
of Christian discipline was to reclaim and restore rather 
than to cut off. We should treat offenders as a good sur- 
geon treats a diseased limb, — using every effort to restore 
it to health, and not to amputate it so long as a hope of its 
restoration remains. The proposition was united with by 
the meeting, and sent up to the Yearly meeting on the 
minutes. 

First-day, Ninth month, 6th. — Attended the stated meet- 
ing at Dublin in the forenoon, and an appointed meeting 
in the afternoon at Milton. In both these I spoke at con- 
siderable length, and came away from the former well 
satisfied, but in the latter I did not feel the current of Gos- 
pel life to flow so freely, nor was I entirely satisfied with 
my communication. I believe it was doctrinally correct, 
and several Friends expressed their unity with it, but I 
thought it had not enough of that unction from on High 
which alone can render religious services effectual. 

There was another minister present, who spoke accepta- 
bly in the forenoon before I rose \ but in the afternoon I 



Memoi?'s of Samuel M. Janney. 159 

did not wait long enough for him, and rose before my 
mind was fully prepared for the work. He spoke after- 
wards, and I was engaged in vocal supplication, near the 
close of the meeting, which, I believe, had a solemnizing 
effect. 1 trust that the cause of Truth did not suffer much 
through me, and yet I fear it was not so effectually 
advanced as it might have been. May I be watchful in 
future, and humbly wait upon Him who putteth forth His 
own sheep and goeth before them. 

Ninth month, 9th. — Feeling a religious concern to hold a 
meeting at Chester, near the residence of my sister, and 
being informed that most of the Friends in that neighbor- 
hood are of the class called Orthodox, I have thought it 
right to invite them to attend, and to apply for the use of 
their meeting house this afternoon. This application I 
have made the more willingly from the consideration that 
their ministers have frequently occupied our meeting house 
at Goose Creek, and that I was principally instrumental 
last autumn in obtaining for one of them the use of Lom- 
bard Street house, in Baltimore, at the time of our Yearly 
meeting. The use of the house was granted, and many of 
the Orthodox Friends sat with us, 

The subject which presented itself to my mind was the 
universal brotherhood of man as expressed in Holy Writ : 
" Have we not one Father, and hath not one God created 
us?" As we are all the objects of His love and of His 
providential care, we ought to love one another; but we 
cannot fulfill this great duty until we comply with the first 
commandment, by loving the Lord our God with all the 
heart, mind and strength ; then He will enable us to love 
our neighbor as ourselves. It is the nature of the unregen- 
erate heart to be actuated by self-love, and to seek only its 
own gratification or aggrandizement. But the soul that 



1 60 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

comes under the Divine government, and is regenerated 
by the sanctifying power of Divine grace, is actuated by 
the love of God, which induces it to love all men, — even 
those who are its enemies. The work of man's salvation 
is a work of God in the soul, for we cannot, without 
Divine assistance, redeem ourselves from one single sin or 
lust. And yet this great work will not be effected in us 
without our co-operation; for the Apostle says, "Work 
out your own savlation with fear and trembling." Never- 
theless, he adds, "It is God that worketh in you both to 
will and to do of his good pleasure/ ' 

It was testified by George Fox that no man is justified 
any further than he is sanctified ; for the Apostle places 
sanctification before justification; saying, "But ye are 
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the 
name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God." 
There both sanctification and justification are shown to be 
the effect of the same Divine power operating on the heart. 
The object of Christ's mission was to " bear witness to the 
truth," and to reconcile man to his God ; for "God was 
in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." And the 
Apostle Paul says, " We beseech you, therefore, as ambas- 
sadors for Christ, be ye reconciled to God." There can 
be no change in Deity — the change must be in man ; and 
whenever the erring soul becomes, like the prodigal, sensi- 
ble of its lost condition, and desirous to return to the 
Father's house, being willing to humble itself, to ask for- 
giveness, and to take the lowest place, the Father's love 
will be manifested, and He will rejoice over the returning 
sinner, saying, " This my son that was lost is found, and 
he that was dead is alive again." I thought it was a favored 
opportunity ; and, so far as I know, the meeting was gener- 
ally satisfactory. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 161 

Ninth month, ioth. — We had an appointed meeting at 
Newport in the afternoon, in the Wesleyan meeting house. 
But little notice had been given, and very few assembled. 
I thought for a good while that I should have no commis- 
sion to say anything, but a little matter in relation to the 
spiritual law of Christ was presented, and, in a few brief 
remarks, I expressed it. 

i ith. — We came from Richmond to Chicago. This great 
city, numbering more than 100,000 inhabitants, has sprung 
up within a few years, and is now the mart of trade for a 
wide region of fertile country in Illinois and Iowa. 

13th. — On First-day morning we had an appointed meet- 
ing at the house of our friend, Thomas Perdue, which was 
attended by thirty or forty persons, mostly members of our 
Society, or in some way connected with Friends. It was 
a satisfactory opportunity to me. In the evening we had 
a meeting appointed to be held in a large hall capable of 
seating several thousand persons. The audience appeared 
small, and perhaps did not exceed two hundred. I thought 
I was authorized to open some spiritual truths, and spoke, 
probably forty-five minutes ; but I fear the impression 
made was not very deep. 

14th. — We came to Sterling, in Illinois, and thence found 
a conveyance to the house of our friend, Mark Penrose, 
two miles from the town. Here I was taken with a hem- 
orrhage from the lungs, brought on, as I suppose, by a 
severe cold which I had had for a week, and by too much 
exertion for the state of my respiratory organs. It was not 
very copious, but the spitting of blood continued a part of 
the day following, and was attended by other symptoms 
that indicated the necessity of care and rest. 

15 th. — We attended two appointed meetings ; one in the 
forenoon in the mill of our friend, Joseph Wilson, the 

11 



1 62 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

other in the Court House at Sterling. They were to me 
sa f isfactory, and the latter was, I thought, attended by the 
over-shadowing of Divine goodness. Owing to the weak 
state of my lungs, I spoke deliberately and in a voice just 
sufficient to be audible to the meeting at large. 

1 6th. — From Sterling we came to Mount Pleasant, in 
Iowa, by railroad. Most of the journey was through a 
prairie country, beautifully undulating and adorned with 
gorgeous wild flowers. A considerable part of the land 
was fenced along the road, and the corn crop was most 
luxuriant. 

For the first time I crossed the great river Mississippi ; 
which I regarded with emotions of deep interest and admi- 
ration. 

1 8th. — We spent at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and on the 
19th proceeded to the neighborhood of Prairie Grove 
meeting, where we visited our friends who have recently 
removed thither from Virginia, and have established a 
Monthly meeting subordinate to Fairfax Quarter. 

We met with a hearty welcome, and found them enjoy- 
ing as many of the comforts of life as can be expected in a 
new country, much of which is still an uninclosed prairie. 
Harmony and love prevail among them, and they have a 
fair prospect to enjoy a sufficiency of the fruits of the earth 
from their rich soil and beautiful country. 

First-day, Ninth Month, 20th, — We attended meeting in 
the forenoon at Prairie Grove, which was held in a school- 
house ; but they expect soon to have a good meeting-house 
of their own. It was well attended, and after a season of 
solemn silence I was enabled to communicate some views 
which I trust were received in the love of the gospel. In 
the evening of the same day we had an appointed meeting 
in Mount Pleasant (twelve miles from Prairie Grove), held 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 163 

in a Universalist Meeting-House. I was led to deliver a 
discourse on the importance of coming to a living experi- 
ence of Divine truth by attentive obedience to its operation 
in the heart. For the knowledge of the only true God and 
of His Son, Jesus Christ, which is life eternal, can be ob- 
tained in no other way than by obedience to the law of the 
spirit of life in Christ Jesus which makes free from the law 
of sin and death. The doctrine of original sin was shown 
to be inconsistent with the Scriptures of truth, and the 
salvation of the soul was declared to be the work of Divine 
Power when co-operated with by those who accept the 
offers of redeeming love, and serve the Lord without 
reserve. 

It was a large meeting, and I thought a solemnizing influ- 
ence was felt to prevail. 

On Second-day morning I left Mount Pleasant and 
parted with my companion, E. Holmes, who was going to 
visit his brother in the interior of Iowa. On coming to 
Peoria with a view to descend the river Illinois, and then 
to proceed to a Friends' settlement near Vermont, Fulton 
County, 111., I found a boat, the captain of which said he 
would start next morning at 10 A. M. I concluded to go 
in the cars to Henry to visit some relatives and return next 
morning in time for the boat. While waiting for the cars, 
having nothing to do and being among strangers, I rode 
out to the Agricultural State Fair in the suburbs of the 
town ; but I found no satisfaction in the exhibition ; my 
mind was oppressed with a feeling of gloom, and I became 
fully convinced that it was not the place for me while en- 
gaged on a religious visit. After visiting my friends at 
Henry, I returned to Peoria and went to the steamboat at 
the appointed hour, but the captain said he should not go 
till the next day, and on further inquiry I was informed 



164 Me?noirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

that he had no intention of going for several days ; but 
had made arrangements to stay during the fair. This was 
a disappointment, and led me to reflect seriously whether 
I should wait for another conveyance or proceed home- 
ward. I concluded to wait, and during the interval was 
accosted in the street by a stranger who proved to be a 
Friend named James Ivins. He invited me to his house, 
where I found others who were members of our Society. 
Being thus detained, I came to the conclusion that it would 
be right to hold a meeting in Peoria that evening, and a 
house being procured and notice spread, a small company 
assembled. It was not so satisfactory as I could have 
wished, but I trust no harm was done, and if I erred in 
any particular it was not intentionally. 

23d. — To-day I have been travelling towards the settle- 
ment of Friends in Fulton Co. My mind has been more 
than usually depressed. May the Author of all good 
enlighten me to see clearly His will and enable me to do 
it faithfully. 

24th. — Attended a meeting at Friends' meeting-house 
nearlpava. The Friends in this vicinity are sufficiently num- 
erous to keep up a meeting, but many have become luke- 
warm, some are deluded with Spiritualism, so-called, and 
the discipline for several years past has been neglected or 
contemned, until the meeting has dwindled away, and is 
now held only on the First-day of the week. The house 
was tolerably well filled, and my mind was impressed with 
a sense of the condition of some present who were neglect- 
ing the highest interests of the soul and rebelling against 
their convictions of duty by devoting themselves exclu- 
sively to temporal things. I was led to make a sharp 
expostulation with these, and to set forth the necessity of 
turning to the Lord with the whole heart while the day of 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 165 

His merciful visitations is extended, lest the heart become 
callous and the eye of the mind blinded by long continued 
disobedience. 

Near the close of the meeting I felt a concern for those 
members of the Society who were present, and from a 
sense of duty exhorted them to keep to the faith and the 
doctrines held by our worthy predecessors, avoiding all 
those seductive influences which would lead them astray. 
I also recommended the reading of the Scriptures and an 
adherence to the rules of our excellent discipline. It was 
to me a satisfactory meeting, and I trust that a good 
impression was made on the minds of many. 

Indiana Yearly Meeting being near at hand, I was under 
the necessity, in order to attend it, to travel night and day 
in the cars, and reached Richmond just in time ; but the 
fatigue of the journey, the loss of rest and the weak state of 
my lungs rendered me incapable of entering fully into the 
exercises of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, which I 
attended in much weakness. 

In the public meeting on First-day several living testi- 
monies were borne to the sufficiency of that Divine Power 
which is always present with us, and ready to save those 
who obey it. I had a share in these exercises, and not- 
withstanding my bodily infirmity, was enabled to bear 
witness to the truth. 

On Second-day the Yearly Meeting was opened and the 
epistles from other Yearly Meetings read. 

The most interesting business which came before us was 
a proposition from White Water Quarterly Meeting, to 
modify a rule of discipline adopted last year, in relation to 
those of our members who are concerned in Spiritualism, 
so-called. The proposed modification was intended to 
place such members on the same ground as other offenders, 



1 66 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

so far as to have them admonished and efforts made to re- 
claim them before they are disowned. Two ministers who 
are very prominent in the Yearly Meeting, opposed the 
modification, and contended strenuously that there was 
nothing in the rule adopted last year to prevent such per- 
sons being dealt with as other offenders. I made some 
remarks on Christian discipline, showing that the first 
object to be sought in all cases was to reclaim and restore 
the offender, and quoted the language of George Fox, where 
he says, "Let no testimony by way of condemnation be 
given forth against any man or woman, whatever crime 
they commit, before admonition and until such times as 
they have had gospel order according to Christ's doc- 
trines." 

I concluded by asking that the rule of discipline adopted 
last year might be read. It was accordingly read, when it 
appeared clear to most Friends to contain the objectiona- 
ble feature complained of, and a minute was made modify- 
ing or explaining it, so as to allow Monthly Meetings to 
deal with such persons as with other offenders. At a sub- 
sequent sitting a proposition was sent in from Women's 
Meeting expressing the same sentiment, more explicitly, 
which was concurred in and directed to be inserted in the 
Book of Discipline. 

The Yearly Meeting concluded on Fifth-day, having 
had but one session on each of the three days, and a 
public meeting for worship on Fourth-day. It was con- 
sidered very satisfactory, and I trust that the cause of 
Truth has been advanced. 

After the close of the Yearly Meeting I met with a 
minister of the Orthodox branch, which is now sitting at 
Richmond. After some very friendly conversation with 
him and another of their members living in Richmond, I 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 167 

informed them that I had felt a concern to sit with some 
of their members, and had had one meeting among them to 
my own satisfaction. I also stated that I felt a drawing to 
have another meeting with them if way was open for it. 
They expressed much doubt whether such a meeting would 
be agreeable to their leading members ; but one of them 
undertook to mention the subject and ascertain. He 
afterwards informed me that it was not approved, but the 
sentiment was expressed among them that we should come 
to them and not they to us. 

On Sixth-day evening, at seven o'clock, I had an 
appointed meeting in Friends' Meeting House at Rich- 
mond, but the weather being unfavorable the house was 
not quite full. I was enabled to express some views which 
were presented to my mind ; but I thought the life and 
power of the Gospel were not so fully manifested as at 
some other times. I came away from the meeting not dis- 
satisfied, but humbled under a feeling of my own weakness 
and insufficiency. 

On the First-day following, we attended meeting at 
Cincinnati, and notice having been given, the house was 
filled with an attentive audience, most of whom were not 
members of our religious Society. After a season of wait- 
ing upon the Lord, during which my secret petitions were 
put up for His blessing and guidance, I felt the stream of 
Divine life to arise, and was enabled, I trust, to minister 
in the ability that God giveth. It was a precious and 
solemn meeting, in which the tendering and baptizing 
influence of Divine love was felt to abound, and I could 
thankfully ascribe to the Author of All Good the praise 
and the glory of His own work. 

From Richmond to Cincinnati we were accompanied 
by my dear sister, Anna Lupton, who resides near Rich- 



1 68 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

mond. The time I have spent with her and other near 
relatives during this journey will long be remembered with 
satisfaction. 

From Cincinnati we came to Waynesville, Warren 
County, Ohio, where I have a number of relatives residing. 
We spent about a day and a half in social visits among 
them, and left in time to attend the usual mid-week meeting 
at Green Plain. 

The subject of appointing a meeting for Divine worship 
at Waynesville had been revolved in my mind some days 
before our arrival there, but I could find no authority to 
do it, and was so strongly drawn homeward that I did not 
feel bound to wait for their usual meeting day. 

After attending the meeting at Green Plain, we came 
immediately home, where we arrived the 9th of the Tenth 
month, having been absent fifty days, during which I 
travelled about 2,700 miles, and attended forty-one meet- 
ings, including the several sittings of the Yearly Meetings 
of Ohio and Indiana. 

Throughout the journey I have thankfully to acknow- 
ledge the protecting care and sustaining aid of my 
Heavenly Father, who, I believe, called me to labor in 
His vineyard, and, if any good has been done, to Him 
alone be the praise. 

After returning from my Western journey, I resumed 
my duties as Principal of the boarding-school at Spring- 
dale, and in the latter part of the Tenth month attended 
our Yearly Meeting in Baltimore. It was a season of 
Divine favor. 

At our meeting for Sufferings, a printed document from 
London Yearly Meeting, entitled "A Salutation in the 
Love of Christ to All Who Bear the Name of Friends," 
was introduced and read. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 169 

My friend, B. Hallowell, united with me in thinking 
that this furnished a favorable opening for us to address a 
friendly reply to the Meeting for Sufferings of London. 
Several other Friends agreed with us in sentiment, and a 
few persons were named to bring to our next meeting an 
essay for that purpose. We accordingly presented a paper 
drafted by B. Hallowell, which was very satisfactory to the 
meeting ; but several Friends objected to any communica- 
tion being sent, inasmuch as the London " Salutation M 
was not addressed to us as a body, but as individuals. 
They were willing that any of us who felt the concern 
should address an answer to the Friends in London on our 
individual responsibility; but they would not consent for 
the meeting to take any action upon it. 

We found it best to withdraw the paper, as it could not 
be sent forward in unity ; and a few of us concluded to 
sign and forward it in our individual capacity. 

1858, Third month, 22nd. — It is this day two weeks 
since we experienced the greatest affliction that has yet 
attended us. My eldest son, John, has been removed by 
death, and I now feel a void that, it seems to me, never 
can be filled. 

From his early youth he has been the comfort and joy 
of his parents. Always dutiful and affectionate ; industrious 
in his habits, diligent in his studies, conscientious and 
exemplary in his conduct, attentive to his religious duties, 
and, I believe, a sincere seeker of Heavenly truth. He 
read the Scriptures frequently, and was a regular attender 
of our religious meetings. He was in the thirty-second 
year of his age, and had been for more than ten years past 
my intimate and sympathizing companion. His under- 
standing was naturally vigorous, and, being enriched by 
study and reflection, he manifested a maturity of intellect 
beyond his years. 



1 70 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Some time during the year 1855 he took a severe cold, 
which settled on his lungs, and a distressing cough ensued, 
resulting in severe hemorrhages. As soon as he recovered 
from them sufficiently to travel, his mother and I went with 
him to the Red Sulphur Springs, a distance of three hun- 
dred and fifty miles. The journey and the healing qualities 
of the water produced a remarkable effect, and he returned 
greatly improved in health. For some months we had 
reason to hope that his health would ultimately be restored, 
but in the autumn of 1857 he took another cold, which was 
followed by chills, and we felt much apprehension that his 
lungs were diseased beyond recovery. My daily visits at 
his house are treasured in my memory as seasons of precious 
enjoyment ; but how often on leaving that abode of peace 
and love has my heart sunk within me at the thought that 
the time was probably near at hand when we must resign 
him who was the object of our fond solicitude and 
increasing love. 

On the 7th of the Third month he was taken much 
worse, and when our physician arrived he told me that 
John could last but a little while unless he got relief. 
Upon the dear sufferer being asked if he felt the Divine 
power to be near him, as he was passing through the valley 
of the shadow of death, he answered : " Oh, yes, yes ! He 
is merciful.' ' 

At his bedside I offered up a prayer to the Father of 
Mercies, whose holy power was present to sustain the 
parting soul. His dear wife, who sat nearest to him, heard 
him in prayer, and, bending her ear towards him, she dis- 
tinguished the words, " My Saviour, take me to Thyself. 
Be merciful, and hear my prayer. " These were the last 
words that were understood. He closed his eyelids with 
his own hand, then -dropped his hand upon his breast, and 
ceased to breathe. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 171 

I have no doubt his purified spirit has gone to Heavenly 
rest, and now is in the company of the " Spirits of just 
men made perfect/ ' where they "join in adoration and 
praise to the Lord God and to the Lamb." 

We feel that we ought to be thankful to the Author of All 
Good for the gift of such a son so uniformly good from his 
infancy, — so beloved of all who knew him. It is, however, 
a trying dispensation, which nothing short of Divine aid 
can enable us to support with becoming resignation. 

Eighth month, 28th, 1858. — Since our great bereave- 
ment, in the death of our dear son, I have felt less ability 
than usual for attending to temporal business, and yet I 
feel assured that it is best to make an effort to perform all 
my duties. 

In the early part of this month I performed, with the 
approbation of our Monthly Meeting, a religious visit to 
the meetings composing Hopewell Monthly Meeting, and 
appointed meetings in various places. In this service I 
was accompanied by our friend, Rebecca Price, and my 
daughter Cornelia. 

We attended twelve meetings, all of which were satisfac- 
tory, and some of them were seasons of peculiar favor, in 
which we were enabled, through Divine aid, to experience 
and declare to others the baptizing power of Heavenly 
Truth. 

In looking back upon this little journey, I feel peace of 
mind, and remember with much satisfaction many precious 
seasons of Divine favor. 

May I always bear in mind the unmerited blessings 1 
have enjoyed, and may I stand resigned to every dispensa- 
tion of Divine Providence, remembering that He who gave 
has a right to take away, and to dispose of me according 
to His holy will. 



CHAPTER XV. 

1859-60. 

Visit to Warrington and other Meetings belonging to that Quarter — 
Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and some 
Meetings composing them — Journey to Eastern Shore of Maryland. 

1859, First month, 1st. — Another year has passed away, 
— a year that has been rendered memorable to me by 
affliction and bereavement ; but through the condescend- 
ing mercy of my Heavenly Father I have been sustained, 
and, at many times, comforted with His holy presence and 
life-giving power. 

Oh ! thou gracious and ever present Saviour ! Be pleased 
still to be with me through life, enabling me, more and 
more, to devote myself to Thy service, and when it shall 
please Thee to call me hence, may I, through Thy grace, 
be prepared for the change, and strengthened through Thy 
power to pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, 
fearing no evil, and confiding in Thy mercy. Thou seest 
all my thoughts, Thou knowest all my motives ; be pleased, 
through the operation of Thy holy spirit, to cleanse my 
heart from all evil ; that my affections may be set on 
Heavenly things, and my life devoted wholly to Thee and 
to Thy cause of righteousness and Truth. 

Having for some time past felt a religious concern to 
attend Warrington Monthly Meeting in York County, Pa., 
I opened the prospect in our Monthly Meeting, and 
received a minute of concurrence, dated Seventh month, 
1859. The same day, being accompanied by my friend, 

(172) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 173 

Jesse Hoge, who has lately appeared in the Gospel 
ministry, we set out on our journey, and proceeded to 
Waterford. The next evening we reached Pipe Creek, 
where our friend, William Shepherd, agreed to accompany 
us. 

On Seventh-day evening we reached the neighborhood 
of Warrington, and, notice being spread, there was on 
First-day morning a considerable number of Friends and 
others assembled at the Meeting House. I was enabled, 
through Divine aid, as I trust, to open to them some 
important truths relating to the soul's salvation, and the 
Lord's power was felt to be near us, by which our hearts 
were bowed in reverence before Him. 

In the afternoon of the same day we attended an 
appointed meeting at Newberry, about ten miles distant, 
and were favored with a solemn and instructive season of 
Divine worship. The meetings of Friends in these two 
places had for several years been declining. Some of the 
members had become disaffected towards the Society, and 
all were discouraged or lukewarm ; so that very few had 
been attending any of their meetings, and no meetings for 
discipline had been held among them for eleven months. 

We immediately began a series of family visits to Friends 
of Newberry and Warrington meetings ; and in the course 
of four days sat with nearly all of them in their own houses 
— being about twenty-two families. The country being 
hilly, the roads rough, and the families scattered at a con- 
siderable distance from each other, the service was labori- 
ous. But we were favored with the Divine Master's pre- 
sence, and, through His grace, counsel and encouragement 
were administered suited to their conditions. 

On Fifth-day we attended the Monthly Meeting at 
Warrington, which had been discontinued since the Eighth 



174 Memoirs of Samuel M. Ja?iriey. 

month last year. In the meeting for worship the baptizing 
power of Divine truth was experienced to be with us, and 
many hearts were greatly tendered under its influence. In 
the meeting for discipline there were about a dozen of each 
sex present, to whom suitable counsel was given in relation 
to the importance of attending to their religious duties in 
preference to all temporal concerns. 

It was shown, however, that our temporal business and 
our religious duties do not conflict with each other ; for 
there is a time for all things ; and if we seek first the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, all things needful will 
be added. And moreover, we have the assurance that 
godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of 
the life that now is and that which is to come. 

The members being called upon to express their senti- 
ments in regard to keeping up their meetings, nearly all 
of them rose in succession, expressing a desire for their 
continuance, and a willingness to make a renewed effort to 
maintain them. 

The result of our labors among them was encouraging 
and satisfactory. If any good has been done, to Him be 
the praise whose Divine word sustained our feeble efforts. 

On Sixth-day, in the forenoon, we had an appointed 
meeting at Huntingdon, and in the afternoon, after riding 
twelve miles, attended one at Monallen Meeting House. 
These were both favored and satisfactory meetings, being 
accompanied with the solemnizing influence of Divine love 
and life. 

On Seventh-day, we came about forty miles to Pipe 
Creek, where we attended meeting on First-day in the fore- 
noon, and in the afternoon we rode sixteen miles to an 
appointed meeting at Bush Creek Meeting House, near 
Newmarket. These meetings were large, there being many 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 175 

present of other religious persuasions, and the Lord of life 
and glory was pleased to manifest His presence by the 
breaking of bread. The doctrines preached were chiefly 
of a practical nature, showing that Christianity is the 
manifestation of Divine life in the souls of men, to purify 
and redeem them from all iniquity, and to introduce them 
into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 

On Second-day, the 25th of Seventh month, we returned 
to our homes with thankful hearts and the reward of peace. 
My companion, Jesse Hoge, during this journey was a 
truly sympathizing friend, and his mouth was opened a few 
times in Gospel ministry to my great satisfaction. 

i860, Fifth month, 3rd. — Having obtained a minute of 
unity from our Monthly Meeting to attend the Yearly 
Meetings of Philadelphia and New York, and to attend and 
appoint meetings on the way, going and returning, I set 
out, accompanied by my friend Jesse Hoge as companion. 

Fifth month, 6th. — At Deer Creek, in Harford County, 
Maryland, we attended their meeting on First-day morn- 
ing, and had an appointed meeting in the afternoon at 
Broad Creek Meeting House. 

They were satisfactory and comfortable meetings. At 
the house of my brother-in-law, Joseph H. Jewett, we 
found a very pleasant home, and the conversation of my 
dear sister Tacy was cheering and encouraging. 

In Philadelphia we staid at the house of my kind cousi n 
John Saunders, where I always make my home when in 
that city. 

7th. — Attended Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting of min- 
isters and elders. 

8th. — The Quarterly Meeting was satisfactory. During 
the season of public Divine worship we were favored to 
draw nigh to the Fountain of Life, and to partake of the 



176 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

healing waters. I was engaged in ministry, briefly, but I 
believe to the satisfaction of my friends. 

9th and 10th. — Attended Abington Quarterly Meeting, 
which was a season of Divine favor. 

Fifth month, 12th. — The Yearly Meeting of ministers 
and elders was satisfactory, my lot being mostly that of a 
silent watchman. 

13th. — On First-day morning we attended the meeting 
for worship on Race Street. It was a very large congrega- 
tion, and I found it my duty to declare the riches of Divine 
love as manifested in the coming of Christ in the flesh and 
in the spirit. Referring to his reading in the synagogue 
the prophecy of Isaiah concerning himself, as being 
anointed by the spirit of the Lord to preach the Gospel to 
the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance 
to the captives, and the "opening of the prison doors to 
them that are bound," I pointed out the effect of his mis- 
sion to restore the lost, to comfort the afflicted, and to 
reform the world. Not only was his power manifested 
during the days of his personal ministry, but also after 
His resurrection, through the ministry of his Apostles ; 
for he ascended up on high, led captivity captive, and 
gave gifts to man. 

Peter, when speaking by Divine inspiration on the Day 
of Pentecost, refers to the mediation of Christ, saying, 
" He being by the right hand of God exalted hath shed 
forth this which we now see and hear." He who had been 
with them in the flesh had then come in the spirit, and he 
promised to be with them to the end of the world. We 
believe in his spiritual appearance as a life-giving power 
that redeems the obedient soul, and to this we call the 
attention of the people as to "a rock disallowed indeed of 
men, but chosen of God, and precious." 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 177 

In the evening we attended the meeting at Green Street, 
which was satisfactory. It was my lot to be silent, except 
in supplication at the close, and I thought the Lord's pre- 
sence was felt among us. 

On Second-day, the 13th, the Yearly Meeting was 
opened, and continued its sittings until Sixth-day. There 
was a large attendance of Friends, and much interest mani- 
fested by the younger p'art of the Society, which was 
encouraging. There appears to me to be much vitality in 
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and a freedom of expression 
that I have not seen so fully manifested elsewhere. There 
is, however, on the part of some active spirits a want of 
proper qualification to take part in its proceedings, which 
renders their communications burdensome to the living 
members of the body. 

Even some who stand as accredited ministers are so un- 
watchful or unskilful that they sometimes mar the work 
they desire to promote by unseasonable or unwarranted 
communications. I endeavored to show the propriety of 
keeping to the point, directing our attention to the subject 
under consideration, and expressing our concern as con- 
cisely and clearly as possible. In these solemn meetings 
we should wait for wisdom from above, watch over our own 
spirits, and seek only to promote the good of the body and* 
the glory of God. 

On First-day, the 20th of Fifth month (my companion 
having gone home), I attended the meeting at Gwynedd 
in the morning to satisfaction. 

In the afternoon I had an appointed meeting at Ply- 
mouth, which was rather laborious, there being, as I 
thought, a want of spiritual life. My friend, Joel Lare, a 
lively and excellent minister, residing there, followed me 
in a brief. communication. 

12 



178 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

At night I had an appointed meeting at Norristown, 
which was largely attended by persons not in membership 
with us. It proved to be an open and satisfactory meeting, 
in which, I trust, the Word of life was felt as a quickening 
spirit in our midst. The chief subject of my communica- 
tion was in answer to the question, "What is Quakerism?'' 
showing that the principles professed by Friends are the 
same as primitive Christianity, and that the religion of 
Christ is a life-giving power revealed in the soul to redeem 
us from all evil, and introduce us into the glorious liberty 
of the children of God. 

2 1st.— Returned to the city of Philadelphia. 

22nd. — Went to Byberry, and staid at the house of 
Nathaniel Richardson, accompanied by my friend Daniel 
Walker, who purposes going with me to New York. 

23rd. — Accompanied by N. Richardson and D. Walker, 
I attended meeting at Falsington, where I was engaged in 
Gospel ministry. Andrew Dorland, of New York, was 
also present, and spoke to edification. Our ancient friend, 
Samuel Comfort, was present, and appeared in a lively 
testimony. It was a solemn and satisfactory meeting. 
We spent part of the afternoon at Samuel Comfort's, and 
enjoyed his instructive conversation. 

* In the afternoon we went to Bristol, where an evening 
meeting was appointed for me. It was a season of Divine 
favor, in which, I trust, the Gospel was preached to the 
edification and comfort of many. 

25th. — Attended a meeting at Byberry at the usual hour, 
and in the evening an appointed meeting at Trenton. 
Through Divine aid I was enabled to address the people 
on the doctrines of life and salvation by Christ, showing 
that as in the time of his personal advent, he healed the 
diseases of the body and raised the dead to life, so in his 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 179 

inward and spiritual manifestation now, as the life and 
power of God, he heals the maladies of the soul, cleanses 
from the leprosy of sin, and raises from spiritual death to 
a life of holiness. 

The meetings were both favored with the evidence of 
Divine life. 

Fifth month, 26th. — Arrived in New York, and found a 
pleasant home at the house of our friend Josiah Macy. 

27th. — Attended Yearly Meeting of ministers and elders. 

28th. — On First-day morning attended meeting for 
worship at Twenty-seventh Street. It was a large and 
interesting meeting. I was enabled to speak, with a satis- 
factory evidence of the holy anointing, on the doctrines 
of life and salvation, showing what it is that constitutes the 
Christian, which was illustrated by reference to the life of 
the Apostle Peter. After he had been called to preach the 
doctrine of repentance, and had, through Divine revela- 
tion, acknowledged Jesus to be the Christ, the son of the 
living God, he was, through unwatchfulness, induced to 
deny his Master, and he took up the sword, and cut off 
the ear of the high priest's servant, being at that time not 
fully acquainted with the spiritual nature of Christ's king- 
dom. But after he was, on the Day of Pentecost, baptized 
with the holy spirit, he became a new man in Christ, being 
made willing to suffer for the truth, and endued with power 
from on high which enabled him to follow in the footsteps 
of his Divine Master. Rebecca Price followed in a 
lively exhortation, and our friend, John Hunt, preached 
the Gospel with authority. 

In the afternoon I attended meeting at Brooklyn, where 
I was engaged in Gospel ministry to my own peace of 
mind, believing that our holy Helper was with us. 

Fifth-day, Fifth month, 31st, i860. The Yearly meeting 



180 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

took into consideration the propriety of furnishing better 
accommodations for its annual sittings, and a committee 
was appointed to consider the subject and report in the 
afternoon. When this matter was thus disposed of, I 
opened to the meeting some views that had impressed my 
mind in relation to the education of youth. Seeing that 
a very large proportion of our members are such by birth 
right it is obvious that the prosperity of the body is greatly 
dependent upon the guarded religious education of Friends' 
children, and not only parents, but the Society itself has a 
responsible duty to perform towards them. Believing as 
we do that all the gifts of our beneficent Creator are in- 
tended to be improved, it appears evident that intellectual 
faculties should be devoloped and invigorated by a suitable 
education; but more especially should the moral and spir- 
itual condition of the young be carefully attended to, by 
parents and by Friends, whose religious experience has 
qualified them to instruct others. In this great city there 
are many youths and young men who have come from the 
country to obtain business, being separated from their rela- 
tives and exposed to many temptations, they need the care 
and sympathy of their elder brethren, who might confer 
upon them a lasting benefit by timely notice and kind 
attentions. , I alluded to the example of Peter Bedford of 
London who made it his especial care to invite such young 
men frequently to his house, and by kindly intercourse with 
them encouraged them to pursue the path of duty. 
Addressing the young men present I endeavored to set be- 
fore them the duty of devoting their hearts, early in life, to 
the service of God, as the only means of fulfilling the great 
end of their being ; securing their own well being here 
and preparing them for eternal happiness hereafter. I felt 
that I was in this communication, assisted by Divine favor 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 181 

and the meeting appeared to be brought into a state of 
precious solemnity. 

Several Friends followed in confirmation of these views, 
and some of the younger members not much accustomed 
to speaking in meeting, expressed their deep sense of the 
importance of a guarded, religious education, which they 
thought the Yearly Meeting could promote by the establish- 
ment of a school or schools for the instruction of youth 
in membership with us. The subject was left for the fur- 
ther consideration of the meeting, with the understanding, 
that it might be revived at another sitting. In the after- 
noon the committee appointed to consider the subject of 
better accomodation for the Yearly Meeting, made a re- 
port recommending the building of a new meeting house 
in the city, which was united with by the meeting. 

A deputation from the Women's Meeting informed us 
that they had the subject of education before them, and 
having appointed a committee to consider it they requested 
the co-operation of men Friends. The Men's Meeting being 
prepared by the consideration of the same subject in the 
previous sitting entered into the concern, and appointed a 
committee to unite with that of the Women's Meeting. 

An evening meeting for worship having been appointed 
for Rebecca Price and myself at Jersey City, we left the 
Yearly Meeting a short time before its adjournment, and 
crossed the Hudson to attend it. It was held in the Ly- 
ceum Hall and proved to be a satisfactory opportunity. 

On Sixth-day evening (Sixth month ist,) accompanied by , 
my friend Daniel Walker, I went to Chatham, Columbia 
County, New York. 

At the house of our friend John Coffin, I found a warm 
welcome, and spent two days in the neighborhood very 
pleasantly. On First-day we attended Friends' meeting at^ 



1 82 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Chatham, and at night had an appointed meeting in a 
Methodist meeting house at East Chatham. I thought 
they were seasons of Divine favor and deep solemnity, and 
to Him who alone can help us I desire to ascribe the praise. 

i860, Eighth month, 24th. — Having obtained from our 
Monthly Meeting a Minute of concurrence with my pros- 
pect to pay a religious visit to Friends of the Southern 
and Baltimore Quarterly Meetings and to appoint some 
meetings within their limits, I took leave of my family and 
proceeded to Baltimore. In that city I called on my 
esteemed friend John Needles, who, I found, had a con- 
cern to attend the Southern Quarterly Meeting, and I 
gladly accepted his company. 

On Seventh-day, the 25th, we took passage in a steam- 
boat and crossed the bay to the Eastern Shore. On our 
way we touched at West River, and John Needles pointed 
out to me the site where Friends' Meeting House formerly 
stood, but it has long since gone to decay and none of our 
Society are now found in this neighborhood, where the 
Yearly Meeting was held in early times. 

It is said that the slave ships were in those days anchored 
in the harbor at West River, and Friends, after attending 
Yearly Meeting, would sometimes go on board to select 
slaves for their plantations. How thankful we should feel 
that our ancestors were, through Divine grace, afterwards 
enabled to see the iniquity of that practice, and to relin- 
quish it at a time when almost all others were involved in 
it, and apparently unconscious of its enormous wickedness. 
If individuals and communities would watch for the dis- 
coveries of Divine light and follow the guidance of the 
Good Shepherd, He would lead them out of all evil and 
preserve them in the paths of purity and peace. On 
.reaching Miles River bridge we landed at a place not far 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 183 

distant from Betty's Cove, where the first Friends' Meeting 
house in this vicinity ; was located the distance from Betty's 
Cove to Third Haven Creek (formerly called Trade Haven) 
is very short, probably not exceeding a mile or two. The 
great meeting attended by George Fox, John Burnyeat and 
other ministering Friends in 1672, must have been held at 
Betty's Cove, or in a temporary building, as the meeting 
house at Third Haven was not built until about ten years 
afterwards, but meetings were sometimes held at John 
Edmundson's house, on the farm from which the meeting 
house lot at Third Haven was taken in 16S2. 

Third-day, Eighth month, 26th. — We attended Third 
Haven meeting, which was small. 1% was however comfort- 
able, in which my companion spoke acceptably, and I 
was engaged in a brief communication. 

On Second-day I found interesting employment in exam- 
ining the old Records of the Monthly and Quarterly 
Meetings, commencing in the year 1676. Friends in those 
early times, though zealous for the cause of Truth, had 
their difficulties and short-comings as well as we of this 
generation. The general standard of morality was lower 
then than it is now in the community at large, and Friends 
being extremely particular, and perhaps rigid, in dealing 
with offenders, their records show many delinquencies. 

On Third- day we attended the meeting of Ministers and 
Elders. 

On Fourth-day, the 29th of Eighth month, the Southern 
Quarterly meeting was held. It appeared to me small, 
but I thought some of the ministers in attendance were 
favored with Divine life; for myself, I found but little 
ability to speak of the things of God. 

In the evening I had an appointed meeting in Easton, 
which was attended by many not in membership with us* 



1 84 Memoirs of Samuel Jf. Janney. 

I was favored with ability to declare the truths of the ever- 
lasting Gospel, showing the spirituality of the Christian dis- 
pensation, and the necessity of being washed in the laver 
of regeneration. Our friend Samuel Townsend, of Baltimore, 
followed in a lively communication, and the meeting was 
concluded with vocal supplication. 

On Fifth-day, the 30th, a youth's meeting was held, as 
usual, at the meeting house. The service fell chiefly on 
me, and the subject that was opened to my mind and 
declared to the people, related to the call, qualification 
and compensation of ministers of the Gospel. It was 
shown that the call to this solemn service and the qualifi- 
cation for it must coir!e from God, who prepares the ves- 
sels for His use by the washing of regeneration and renew- 
ing of the Holy spirit ; and makes impressions upon the 
minds of his ministers by which they are led, from a sense 
of duty, to speak of those things which "their eyes have 
seen and their hands have handled of the word of life." 
As the call and qualification are spiritual, so also is the 
compensation ; for he who hands forth to others the bread 
which Christ hath blessed, partakes of the fragments that 
are left and is abundantly rewarded by the Head of the 
church without looking to man for reward. 

The laborer is worthy of his hire, but the gospel minis- 
ter being employed by the Divine Master, looks to Him 
and not to man for his hire, which is peace of mind and 
assurance of Divine favor. 

The meeting was solemn, and it was thought to be a 
season of Divine visitation. 

Sixth-day, the 31st of Eighth month. — We crossed the 
river Choptank into Caroline County, and attended an ap- 
pointed meeting at Snow Hill Meeting House, near the 
town of Preston. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 185 

It was a full meeting, being attended by many of the 
Methodists, who sat in a solid and attentive manner while 
I was engaged in declaring the doctrine of salvation through 
Christ, as an inward and spiritual deliverer from the bond- 
age of corruption. 

Seventh-day, the 1st of Ninth month. — We attended an 
appointed meeting at Pine Grove. There are but few 
Friends belonging to this meeting, but many Methodists 
attended, and among them were two of their ministers. 

My companion was first called into service, and deliv- 
ered a lively testimony showing the necessity of attending 
to small things when required of us as a religious duty, 
which he illustrated by reference to the command to Naa- 
man to wash seven times in Jordan for the cleansing of 
his leprosy, which he at first thought was too small a thing 
to effect so great a cure. 

I was then led to declare the" goodness and power of 
God in the redemption of man from the dominion of sin, 
referring to the words of the Divine Master : " The works 
that I do shall ye do also, and greater works than these, 
because I go to my Father.". He, indeed, through the 
power of God dwelling in him, cast out demons, healed 
diseases and raised the dead ; but these great works being 
performed on the bodies of men were temporary in their 
character, whereas the works wrought by the same Divine 
power upon the soul, — healing its diseases and raising it 
from death to life, — are permanent, and if we continue 
faithful, will endure forever. 

It was a precious meeting, and concluded in fervent 
prayer and thanksgiving to the Author of all good. 

First-day, Ninth month, 2nd. — We attended Centre 
Meeting in the forenoon. It is usually very small, but 
notice being given, the house was full. Several of the 



1 86 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

young men behaved rudely, and there seemed to be an in- 
sensibility in the audience which was hard to overcome. 
We both labored in the ability given us, and had some 
pretty close doctrine to declare among them, but we fear 
it had but little effect on most of the company. In the 
afternoon we attended an appointed meeting at Denton, 
in the Court House. It was a large, attentive audience, 
and we thought the power of Divine truth was felt to pre- 
vail among us. Our friend Samuel Townsend being there, 
had a lively communication to deliver, and I was led to 
set forth the sufficiency of Divine grace to save the soul, 
showing the meaning of the Apostolic declaration : "The 
letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life." The Scriptures, 
though the best letter that ever was written, are not of 
themselves sufficient to guide us in the way of holiness, 
for the rebellious Jews had the Scriptures and searched 
them, but they would not come to Christ that they might 
have life. 

Second-day, the 3rd of Ninth month. — We had an ap- 
pointed meeting at night in Friends* Meeting House, at 
Camden, Delaware. It was well attended and proved to 
be a season of Divine favor. I have seldom felt a deeper 
solemnity than that which prevailed over the audience 
during the communications we felt called upon to make, 
and at the close the wing of Divine goodness seemed to 
spread over the assembly. 

Third-day, the 4th. — In the forenoon we attended a 
meeting at Little Creek. It was small and composed 
chiefly of the few Friends who reside in the neighbor- 
hood, but it was satisfactory. 

At night we had an appointed meeting in Friends 
Meeting House at Smyrna. Only one family of Friends 
resides in the place, and there had not been a Friends' meet" 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 187 

ing held there for two years. The stated meeting formerly 
held at this place has been discontinued for many years. 
Our meeting was not large, but ability was afforded to 
open many important doctrines, and especially that of the 
true foundation — the Rock of Ages — on which the church 
of Christ is founded. 

It is the same spiritual rock, as Paul testifies, that the 
Israelites drank of in the wilderness, being "Christ," — 
the manifestation of Divine life and power. 

Fourth-day. — We had an appointed meeting in the 
morning at Odessa. There are but few Friends here, and 
the meeting was very small but satisfactory. In the eve- 
ning we had an appointed meeting at Millington, in 
Friends* Meeting House, that has been for many years 
shut up, there being no Friends in the town. 

It was a crowded meeting, many of the audience being 
young people to whom the word of life was preached with 
freedom, and, I thought, with acceptance. . 

Fifth-day, the 6th of Ninth month. — We attended Cecil 
Meeting, in Kent County, Maryland. The number in at- 
tendance was small, there being but few Friends here, and 
other people not disposed to attend in the day time except 
on First-day. After the meeting for worship, a meeting 
for discipline was held, in which the men and women sat 
together and transacted their business jointly. This 
method has been adopted on account of the fewness of 
their numbers. 

We returned to Baltimore and proceeded to Gunpowder, 
where Baltimore Quarterly Meeting was held. 

It was large and generally satisfactory, my lot being to 
labor in word and doctrine, which resulted to the peace 
of my own mind and appeared to meet the approbation of 
Friends. 



1 88 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Although my prospect of religious service within the 
limits of Baltimore Quarterly Meeting was not fully ac- 
complished, I felt at liberty to return home, with the inten- 
tion to resume the work at a future time, if required. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

i86i-'63. 

Goes to Philadelphia to attend to the publication of History of Friends 
— Civil war begins — County occupied with Southern troops — Battle 
of Ball's Bluff — Goes through the lines to attend Baltimore Yearly 
Meeting— Is arrested when he returns — Interview with General Evans 
— After four days' detention is released— Occupation of Waterford 
Meeting House by Southern troops — Attends Quarterly Meeting at 
Sandy Spring and other meetings — Tribute to Miriam Gover — Goes 
with a committee to visit some of the subordinate meetings of Balti- 
more Yearly Meeting — Death of a sister — Visit to Philadelphia and 
New York Yearly Meetings — Passage from Extracts of Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting — Engaged in writing third and fourth volumes of 
History of Friends. 

In the spring of the year 1861 I went to Philadelphia 
to superintend the stereotyping and printing of the second 
volume of my History of Friends. The public mind was 
then greatly excited by the measures adopted in the South- 
ern States to effect a secession from the Federal govern- 
ment. On my way homeward, while stopping at Alexan- 
dria, I heard of the attack on Fort Sumpter, and soon 
after the news came that its small garrison had been com- 
pelled to surrender. 

The whole country was agitated to a degree that I had 
never before witnessed, and it was evident that a dreadful 
civil war was imminent. 



Memoi?s of Samuel M. Janney. 189 

The place of my residence being on the border, within 
twelve miles of the Potomac, which was expected to be 
the line between the contending parties, I felt great ap- 
prehensions that our county would be the scene of sanguin- 
ary strife, and that desolation and distress would be our 
portion. 

A large proportion of the citizens of our county, and, 
indeed, a majority of the voters in the State of Virginia, 
had been opposed to secession, but the leading conspira- 
tors, by their false statements, their artful appeals to State 
pride, and their violent measures of hostility against the 
Federal authorities, precipitated the people into a rebellion 
against the best government that any nation had ever en- 
joyed. The Society of Friends as a body remained true 
and loyal to the Federal Union; but a few families within 
the compass of our Quarterly Meeting allowed their sym- 
pathies with the Southern people to lead them astray. 

Our county was soon occupied by Southern troops, and 
those of our citizens who adhered to the Union cause 
were placed under a strict surveillance, that required, on 
our part, great circumspection in our conversation and 
movements. 

Freedom of speech in regard to the question of slavery 
had long been restricted ; now it was still more dangerous 
to avow opposition to that oppressive system which was the 
cause and main spring of the rebellion. 

The members of our religious Society were generally 
favored to maintain an unshaken trust in the Author of all 
good, and most of the heads of families among us remained 
quietly at our homes, but many of our young men, who 
were liable to be forced into the Southern army, sought 
safety in the free states. 

At the first battle of Bull Run many citizens of our 



190 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 

county were engaged in the Confederate ranks, some as 
volunteers, and others as militia forced into the service. 
Some were killed, some mutilated, and among our imme- 
diate neighbors the voice of mourning was heard. 

When the battle of Ball's Bluff was fought, the excite- 
ment in our neighborhood was intense, for it was only about 
ten miles distant; the roar of the cannon and even the rattle 
of the musketry could be heard, and some of the killed 
were our neighbors. The Confederate pickets w T ere then 
for a few days withdrawn from the line of the Potomac, 
and a way left open for egress from our State. I was then 
under an appointment from our Quarterly Meeting to at- 
tend the Yearly Meeting in Baltimore, and the time being 
at hand I felt it my duty to go, if possible. 

A young friend accompanied me as far as the river ; we 
met with no interruption, and I was kindly received by the 
Federal guards on the Maryland shore. Only three other 
Friends from Virginia were in attendance, namely, Wil- 
liam Holmes and Yardley Taylor from our Monthly Meet- 
ing, and Job Throckmorton from Hopewell. 

We enjoyed, in a high degree, the company of our 
friends, and they were rejoiced that we were able to join 
them in the solemn services of Divine worship and church 
discipline. After the rise of the Yearly Meeting, I went 
to Washington City, where I obtained from the Provost 
Marshal a passport that I supposed would enable me to 
return through the Federal lines, but on reaching the Po- 
tomac I was informed by the officer in command of the 
guard that he could not permit me to pass. While I was 
at the inn, waiting for a passage, a young Virginian con- 
nected with the Federal army called on me, and stated 
that my friend William Holmes had been taken over the 
river by him, and he was willing to convey me across that 
night in a boat. 



Memoirs of Samuel -M. Janney. 191 

Being anxious to rejoin my family, and believing that I 
had a right to go, I accepted his offer and was safely con- 
veyed to the Virginia shore. There I found a citizen 
whom I knew to be a Union man, and accepted his invi- 
tation to go with him to his house, about a mile distant. 
When we approached the house, some time after dark, he 
said to me: " Stand behind this tree, while I go in and 
see if any secessionists are there." He soon returned, 
and reported that some of his secession neighbors were in 
the house. He then conducted me to a d©or, and told 
me to take off my boots, walk softly up stairs and go to 
bed. Next morning I rose very early to breakfast, and 
my kind host furnished me a horse, with a boy to bring it 
back. 

Taking an unfrequented road, we avoided the Confed- 
erate pickets, and when I came within two miles of my 
house, I dismissed the boy with the horse and proceeded 
afoot. My family were well, and we rejoiced together in 
a delightful reunion. But our happiness was soon marred 
by a report that I was to be arrested by the Confederate 
troops. On the following day, while we were at dinner, 
the soldiers came for me and conducted me to Leesburg, 
nine miles distant, where General Evans, of the Southern 
army, had his headquarters. I was taken before him just 
after nightfall, and the following dialogue ensued: 

Gen. Eva?is. — " When did you come from Maryland?" 
S. M. /.—"Yesterday." 
Gen. Evans.— "What did you go for?" 
S. M. /—"To attend Friends' Yearly Meeting." 
Gen. Evans.—" Don't you know that your first duty is 
to your country?" 

S. M. /—"No ; my first duty is to God." 
Gen. Evans (after a pause). — "Yes; but your second 
duty is to your country." 



192 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

S. M. J. — "l do not know that I have violated any 
law of my country/ ' 

Gen. Evans. — " If you have not violated any law of 
your country, you have transgressed a military order. 
Why did you not apply for a permit to pass our lines?" 

S. M. J. — "Because I was pretty sure I could not ob- 
tain one.' 1 

After some other remarks, the General said : " You may 
go to the hotel, and I will see you in the morning. " 

I went accordingly, and found the hotel crowded and 
dirty; but I was thankful that I was not sent to jail, as I 
had expected to be. Next morning I called on the Gen- 
eral soon after breakfast, and found him in a better humor 
than he had been the night before. He said: "I have 
received a letter from Mrs. Lee, saying that you have been 
very kind to our sick soldiers." The person alluded to 
was the widow of Dr. Lee, whose daughter Orra had been 
one of my pupils. She was one of the managers of a hos- 
pital at Leesburg, and at her request I had, some time be- 
fore, taken a load of bread and vegetables, contributed by 
our Friends, for the relief of the sick. On being informed 
of my arrest, she had immediately interceded for. my re- 
lease. 

I told the General I had called in obedience to his 
command. He said he could not examine me then, and 
I might call next day. Before leaving him I remarked 
that I was obliged to him for not sending me to jail, as I 
had expected. He answered : " I have no disposition to 
imprison you ; you may stay in town until I am ready to 
examine you," or words to this effect. 

Here I may remark that he had, some time before, sent 
three of our Friends and other Union men to jail on ac- 
count of their political sentiments and attachment to the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 193 

Federal government. Two of them were taken to Manas- 
sas Junction and detained several weeks, the others were 
released after a short confinement. 

On the following morning I again called on the Gen- 
eral, but he was not yet ready to examine me. Having 
been kindly invited by John M. Orr, at the request of his 
wife (formerly my pupil Orra Lee), I went to their house 
and made it my home during the remainder of my deten- 
tion. J. M. Orr being a member of General Evans' staff, 
I desired him to inform the General that I was there, and 
should wait till he sent for me. 

After I had been two days in Leesburg, my friend and 
neighbor William Holmes, whose arrest had been ordered 
by the rebel authorities on the same ground as mine, came 
and delivered himself up, and was permitted to make his 
home at a private house. 

On the fourth day of my detention we were informed 
that we could obtain our release by entering into a bond 
to return on receiving two days' notice from the military 
authorities. This we readily agreed to do, for we had 
been taken without any notice, and our situation would 
be improved by the change. We returned to our homes, 
and were never required to re-appear. This result was not 
unexpected ; for we considered the bond required of us 
merely a pretext to get rid of us, without seeming to ac- 
knowledge that we were blameless. 

During the autumn and winter of 1S61-62 the South- 
ern troops remained in possession of our county. Their 
camps were mostly near Leesburg, but a company or two 
of cavalry were kept at Waterford and occupied one-half 
of Friends' Meeting-house for their barrack. When they 
first came to Waterford they seemed to entertain a strong 
prejudice and animosity against the Friends, having been 

13 



194 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

informed that they were Union men and abolitionists ; but 
on becoming better acquainted, some of the soldiers ac- 
knowledged that the storekeepers who were Friends, dealt 
with them more fairly than any they had met with on 
their march from the South, and their prejudices were re- 
moved. When it was observed that they intended to oc- 
cupy the meeting-house, some of the Friends called on 
the captain and informed him that meetings had been held 
in that house regularly twice a week for more than one 
hundred years, and they were loth to give it up. He 
agreed to occupy only one end of the house, leaving the 
other part for the use of the meeting. The captain and 
some of the men often sat in the meeting, behaving with 
much decorum, and our beloved friend Miriam Gover was 
favored to preach the Gospel to them in the authority of 
Truth, which some of them freely acknowledged. I some- 
times visited that meeting when the soldiers were in at- 
tendance, and had to admire the condescending goodness 
of the Heavenly Shepherd. This was especially the case 
at our Quarterly Meeting held there in the Second month, 
1862. At that time Friends occupied both compartments 
of the meeting-house, the soldiers' baggage being stowed 
away out of sight as much as possible, and some of their 
swords left hanging against the walls in plain view. We 
thought it was a season of Divine favor. Our hearts be- 
ing humbled under the pressure of affliction and our trust 
placed on the Father of Mercies, we found Him to be a 
God nigh at hand, a very present help in every time of 
trouble. 

Our meeting-house at Goose Creek was never occupied 
by the soldiers, though they sometimes attended our meet- 
ings. 

In the spring of 1862, the Federal troops came into the 



Memoirs of Samuel M, Janney. . 195 

county of Loudoun, and the Confederates withdrew to the 
more southern part of the State. It was then supposed 
by the Union party, that the Southern troops would ap- 
pear no more among us, but in this they were greatly mis- 
taken. There was, however, a perceptible change in the 
conduct and conversation of the secessionists. They be- 
came less defiant, less confident, and more courteous 
towards us. Some of the Union men felt disposed to re- 
taliate for past injuries by annoying the secessionists, but 
in general, they were moderate and willing to assist their 
neighbors of that party w T hen their property was seized by 
the Federal soldiers. This disposition to alleviate the 
horrors of war, by acts of kindness and mercy, was indeed 
manifested by some of both parties, and became more 
prevalent as the alternate successes and defeats experienced 
by both taught them the uncertainty of military operations 
and the benefits of mutual forbearance. 

The atrocities said to be committed in East Tennessee 
and some other places were not witnessed here, nor was 
the same degree of animosity manifested by citizens of 
the opposite parties towards each other. As a Society, 
Friends were regarded in this county as among the most 
prominent adherents of the Federal government ; but be- 
ing non-combatants, and generally quiet and unobtrusive, 
they were seldom molested by their secession neighbors. 
On the contrary, they were mostly treated with forbear- 
ance, which they reciprocated by acts of kindness when 
opportunity offered. There can be no doubt that their 
example had-a salutary influence in tempering the asperity 
that always attends such conflicting sentiments in the com- 
munity. 

Being under an appointment of the Yearly Meeting to 
visit the subordinate meetings of Friends, part of which 



196. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

service had previously been accomplished, I proceeded, in 
the spring of 1862, in company with our valued friend 
Miriam Gover and my daughter Mary Ann, to attend 
Sandy Spring Quarterly Meeting in Maryland. The 
meeting was satisiactory, and after its conclusion we pro- 
ceeded to attend meetings at Indian Spring, Washington 
City, Alexandria and Woodlawn. 

On our way homeward, passing through Fairfax County, 
we had an opportunity to observe the desolating effects 
of war. During part of the journey we traveled through a 
country laid waste ; destitute of enclosures and without 
cultivation ; the houses dilapidated, and most of the in- 
habitants gone. 

I look back upon our labors on that religious visit with 
much satisfaction, especially as it was the last journey I 
performed in company with our beloved friend Miriam 
Gover. In the spring of the following year she was called 
away from the toils and trials of time to the rewards of 
eternity. She was a Gospel minister with whom I had 
great unity ; sound in doctrine, impressive in discourse, 
and careful to minister in the ability that God giveth. I 
think I have never been acquainted with a purer and more 
devoted soul, and her memory will long be cherished by 
her surviving friends. 

On the 19th of the Eighth month, 1862, being the next 
day after our Quarterly Meeting, I left home, in company 
with William B. Steer, to join some other members of a 
committee appointed by our Yearly Meeting, to visit its 
subordinate meetings. 

At Huntington, Adams Co., Penna., we met with B. 
Hallowell and wife, and Benjamin P. Moore and wife, 
with their sister Susan Jones, and, after attending Monthly 
Meeting there, we all proceeded in private carriages on 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 197 

our journey to visit the meetings of Friends within the 
limits of Centre Quarterly Meeting. 

Two days journey through a mountainous country 
brought us to Bedford, Penna., and the next morning, 
being First-day, the 24th of the Eighth month, we went 
12 miles to Dunning' s Creek meeting house, where we 
attended a meeting for worship. It was, to me, a satis- 
factory meeting, although in the early part laborious. We 
made our homes with James and Jesse Blackburn, with 
whose families we were much interested. 

Leaving Dunning' s Creek we traveled two days and 
crossed the Allegheny mountain amid scenery wild and 
picturesque, until we reached the Grampian hills in Clear- 
field County. At the house of Nathan Moore, near West 
Branch Meeting house, we found a hospitable welcome. 

On Fourth-day, the 27th, we attended an appointed 
meeting at Bridgeport (4 miles from West Branch), held 
in the house of Joseph M. Spencer, where meetings for 
worship are usually held on First-days. 

Many of the neighbors attended, and we had some ser- 
vice which afforded the reward of peace. Next day we 
were at the Monthly Meeting at West Branch. It was 
largely attended by members and others, and proved to 
be a season of Divine favor. 

On Sixth-day, the 29th, we proceeded to Centre, to at- 
tend the Quarterly Meeting. 

During most of the journey up to this time, my mind bad 
at times been oppressed with solicitude about my family, 
from an apprehension that our county might again be 
brought under the sad effects of the Civil war that is now 
devastating the State of Virginia. These apprehensions 
were increased when I learned from a newspaper I met 
with on the way, that the Confederate Cavalry had made 



198 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

a dash through our neighborhood and captured some of 
the Federal Cavalry at Waterford. On arriving at the 
house of our kind friend John Way, near Centre meeting 
house, I received a letter from my dear wife, written just 
before the raid of the Confederate Cavalry. It was truly 
comforting to read her expressions of calm trust and re- 
liance upon the Arm of Divine power; and I was enabled 
to abide in patience, under a feeling that the beloved in- 
mates of my home would be protected and preserved. 

The Quarterly Meeting was satisfactory. The meeting 
for worship on First-day was very full, and through the 
gracious aid of the Heavenly Shepherd, I trust I was 
made instrumental in feeding His flock. Our friend, Benja- 
min Hallowell, was favored in gospel ministry, and in the 
meeting for discipline he was enabled to hand forth much 
salutary counsel. I think there is in this Quarterly Meeting 
a lively concern on the part of many to do the Master's 
will and support the testimonies of Truth ; although they 
have been under much discouragement for several years 
past on account of some of their members being concerned 
in what is called spiritualism, a supposed communication 
with the spirits of the dead. 

The advice given them some years ago, by our Yearly 
Meeting, to let it alone, for it was a delusion that would 
pass away, has proved wise and salutary. It is now on the 
wane, and most of the Friends, who were engaged in it, 
have withdrawn from it. 

After the Quarterly Meeting we attended an appointed 
Meeting at Bald Eagle, and then took our course homeward. 

At Lewistown I parted with my kind and interesting 
companions. They continued their journey in their car- 
riages, and I took the rail-road for Baltimore, hoping 
there to obtain some intelligence from home. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 199 

In Baltimore I met my son Phineas, who, with several 
other young men of our neighborhood, had fled at the 
approach of the Confederate army; being apprehensive, 
that if they remained they would be forced into the ranks 
of the rebels under the conscription act law. Most of the 
young men and some of the older ones, holding Union 
sentiments, have fled from Loudoun County, and are now 
refugees in Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

All communication across the Potomac being interdicted 
I was under the necessity of remaining some time longer 
from home. 

After attending Monthly Meeting at Baltimore I went 
to Gunpowder, where the Quarterly Meeting was held on 
the Eighth day of the Ninth month. At the public meeting 
on First-day I was favored with an enlargement in gospel 
ministry for which I desire to be humbly thankful to Him, 
who "putteth forth his own sheep and goeth before them.'* 
Other ministers were also engaged in acceptable service 
and the baptizing power of Divine truth was experienced 
by many. 

While at Quarterly Meeting, we learned that the Con- 
federate Army in large force had crossed the Potomac and 
occupied Fredericktown, and much anxiety was felt, both 
in Maryland and Pennsylvania. My way homeward being 
closed I went to Deer Creek, Harford County, Maryland, 
to the house of my sister Tacy. Having had for some 
months a minute from our Monthly Meeting, author- 
izing me to visit and appoint meetings within the limits 
of our Yearly Meeting, it seemed now to be a suitable 
time to proceed in a visit to most of the meetings consti- 
tuting Nottingham Quarter. This service I had in con- 
templation more than a year ago, but was hindered from 
its accomplishment. 



200 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

On First-day, the 14th of Ninth month, I attended 
meeting in the forenoon at Deer Creek and had an ap- 
pointed meeting in the afternoon at Broad Creek. They 
were both good meetings and I had satisfactory service. 

On Second-day, accompanied by my friend William 
Hopkins, I crossed the Susquehannah river and came into 
Lancaster County, Penna. 

On Fourth-day we attended the stated meeting for wor- 
ship at Drumore, on Fifth-day at Little Britain, and on 
Seventh-day afternoon had an appointed meeting at 
Octorara. 

William Hopkins having returned home, my kind and 
venerable friend, Eli Smedley, offered his services and 
became my companion. 

On First-day, the 21st, we attended meeting at Little 
Britain in the morning. The subject which opened to 
my view was the Commission of Christ to his disciples 
to teach and baptize; and I was enabled, as I thought, 
through Divine aid, to expound the doctrine of saving 
faith and spiritual baptism. In the afternoon I attended 
an appointed meeting at Eastland, which was well attended, 
solemn, and I trust, instructive. 

My mind is often under much solicitude on account of 
my family, from whom I can hear nothing, as they live 
near the seat of war and all communication by mail is cut 
off. During the sanguinary battles that have taken place 
within the last two weeks, the roar of cannon and even 
the rattle of musketry must have been heard from my 
home ; and during part of the time our county being in 
possession of the Confederate army, there is every reason 
to suppose that foraging parties have visited every neigh- 
borhood in search of food and clothing. 

"Why art thou cast down, oh! my soul, and why art 



Memoirs oj Samuel M. Janney. 201 

thou disquieted within me ; trust in the Lord, for in the 
Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." Eli Smedley being 
unable on account of ill health to proceed with me, my 
friend Levi K. Brown kindly offered to be my companion. 
We attended meetings at West Nottingham, Little Elk and 
East Nottingham, in all of which I thought the Divine 
Master was with us and graciously condescended to feed 
us with the bread of life. 

Ninth month, 27th. — I am now at the house of my 
sister Tacy, intending to visit Friends' meeting, held at 
Fawn to-morrow, and then proceed homeward. 

Tenth month. — The meeting at Fawn was favored with 
the evidence of Divine life, and we were sweetly comforted 
together. I then returned home with the reward of peace 
and found my family in good health. They had been 
mercifully preserved and protected by the Good Shepherd 
during a season of alarm and danger. 

In the autumn of 1862 I attended our Yearly Meeting at 
Baltimore, and the way being open, a considerable number 
of Friends from Virginia were in attendance. The fol- 
lowing passage from the minute of the exercises of the 
meeting, is deemed appropriate for insertion here. 

"The sorrowful condition of our beloved country, so 
feelingly alluded to in the Epistles (from other Yearly 
Meetings), has tended much to solemnize the meeting 
and to humble us under the consideration of our many 
delinquencies, as a nation and as individuals. Lively tes- 
timonies have been borne in this meeting, not only against 
the horrors of war, but to the all-sufficiency of that grace 
which emanates from the Father of Spirits, and which will 
save to the uttermost all who place their trust in Him. 

" It was clearly shown, that however ardently we may feel 



202 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

attached to our excellent Government, its preservation, or 
that of any civil institution, is of small importance when 
compared with the sublime principles of the Gospel of 
Christ and the salvation of immortal souls. The disciples 
of the Prince of Peace can only promote the advancement 
of his kingdom, by obedience to his Spirit, and keeping 
his commandments. "Without me", he says, "ye can do 
nothing." "If any man will come after me, let him deny 
himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." These 
are still the unchangeable terms of discipleship; for we 
cannot serve two masters; — we are either conformed to 
this world, or transformed by the renewings of our minds. 

" They who have experienced the mercy and forgiveness 
of God, will be enabled by His grace to forgive others; 
and continuing under this holy influence, they will be 
endued with patience and confidence in Him who "ruleth 
in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he 
will. He sees from the beginning to the end of time ; for 
one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thou- 
sand years as one day. 

"Information has been received at this meeting, that 
many of our members, who reside in Virginia, have, dur- 
ing the past year, been subjected to great trials by reason 
of the civil war which is now desolating that portion of 
our country. Some of them have been arrested by the 
military authorities of the Southern States, and held as 
prisoners for a time. Among these, our beloved friend, 
Job Throckmorton, was one whose sufferings excited 
general sympathy. While on his way to attend the 
Monthly Meeting at Hopewell, he was arrested by the 
soldiery, and with many other prisoners, who had not been 
bearing arms, he was subjected to fatiguing marches and 
great privations, which resulted in his death. His pure 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 203 

and blameless life was such, that we have no doubt he laid 
down his head in peace, and has entered into eternal rest. 

" Our Religious meetings in that section of country have 
generally been maintained, though, most of our meeting- 
houses have, at times, been occupied for military purposes. 
At Hopewell and Winchester our members have been sub- 
jected to peculiar privations and trials, by reason of the 
large contending armies that have alternately occupied and 
despoiled that region ; but the meetings of Friends have 
seldom been omitted, though often held in private houses. 

' 'At Woodlawn , a branch of Alexandria Monthly Meeting, 
the meeting-house was, during the whole of last winter, 
occupied by the Federal troops. The Midweek Meetings 
of Friends were then held in a private house ; but on First 
days they assembled in the meeting-house with the soldiers, 
who carefully prepared the house, expressed a desire that 
the meetings should be kept up, and were evidently much 
interested in them. 

"At Waterford, a part of the meeting-house was for many 
months occupied by the Southern soldiers, while another 
part was reserved for the meetings of Friends. The offi- 
cers and some of the soldiers usually attended, behaved 
with decorum, and at times expressed their cordial appre- 
ciation of those seasons of deep solemnity and religious 
exercises. We have reason to believe that the Gospel of 
Peace and Love, at some favored seasons, was felt to flow, 
like a refreshing stream in a desert land. 

"The evidences thus afforded of the power of Divine 
truth, and the consolations of the Gospel of Christ, should 
incite us to increased diligence, that we may through 
watchfulness and prayer, and unreserved obedience, fill up 
the measure of our duties, and obtain the rich reward of 
Divine approbation.' ' 



204 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 

In the spring of 1863, being informed of the extreme 
illness of my beloved sister, Anna Lupton (wife of Richard 
R. Lupton), near Richmond, Indiana, I went to see her, 
and remained with her about ten days. She seemed then 
a little better, but in about two months she was taken to 
"the house appointed for all living. ,, She was truly a 
good woman and much beloved by all who knew her. 
Her patience and cheerfulness during her long sickness 
rendered it a pleasure to nurse her ; and she died as she 
lived, in firm reliance upon the arm of Divine Power. 

Before my departure from home, I had laid before our 
Monthly Meeting a prospect I had to attend the Yearly 
Meetings of Philadelphia and New York, and the time 
being at hand, I proceeded from Indiana directly to Phila- 
delphia. The Yearly Meeting held there was deeply in- 
teresting, and through the condescending goodness of the 
Heavenly Shepherd, I was given ability to proclaim the 
doctrine of salvation by Christ. 

At New York Yearly meeting I experienced in like 
manner the unmerited favor of being called into the Mas- 
ter's service, and endowed with a qualification to feed the 
lambs of his flock. 

After attending a number of meetings on my way home, 
I was enabled to rejoin my family, and finding them in 
good health, felt thankful to the Author of all good for 
His many blessings. 

Our Yearly Meeting at Baltimore this year was, to me, 
a time of trial and also of rejoicing. The committee ap- 
pointed to embody the exercises of the Yearly Meeting 
produced a minute which was considered very satisfactory. 
The following passages, being the expression of my senti- 
ments, are deemed appropriate for insertion here : 

"A considerable number of our members who live 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 205 

within the lines of military operations, being now in at- 
tendance with us, represent that although they have been 
subjected to great trials, they have generally been pre- 
served from personal injury, and have cause of thankful- 
ness to the Shepherd of Israel. Two members of Fairfax 
Monthly Meeting (in Virginia) have been arrested as host- 
ages by the Southern troops, and so far as we know, are 
still held as prisoners (in Richmond), but measures have 
been taken to obtain their release, which, it is hoped, will 
prove successful. 

" On considering the condition of our beloved country, 
now subjected to the calamities attendant on civil war, 
our hearts are affected with sorrow for the many victims 
who have fallen in the strife, the many widows and or- 
phans who mourn their bereavement, and the demoraliz- 
ing effects of military* service. 

a We nevertheless hold fast, our confidence in the wis- 
dom and goodness of that Almighty Being who rules in 
Heaven and on earth, who permits the passions of men to 
work out their own chastisement, and brings forth, in the 
operations of His providence, results that cannot be fore- 
seen by human wisdom nor frustrated by human depravity. 

"The testimony which our fathers maintained to the 
peaceable nature of Christ's kingdom is still dear to our 
hearts, and notwithstanding the cloud of discouragement 
that now overshadows us, we trust ' the Sun of Righteous- 
ness will yet arise, and the glory of the Lord be made 
manifest to the nations. ' As the prophet saw in the visions 
of light, a stone cut out without hands, which became a 
great mountain and filled the whole earth, so, we believe, 
will the Redeemer's kingdom be established in the fulness 
of time .by the word of Divine Power. In order that this 
precious testimony may be advanced, witnesses for the 



206 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

truth have been raised up in every age of the Christian 
Church, who have often prophesied in sackcloth, or have 
been slain for the testimony of Jesus. Such were the 
members of this religious Society at its rise. They were 
faithful to the civil governments under which they lived, 
and when they could not actively obey the laws which 
conflicted with their conscientious convictions, they pa- 
tiently submitted to the penalties, until, through suffering, 
they obtained relief, and were thus made instrumental in 
promoting the cause of religious and civil liberty. 

" May we be faithful in following their example, so far 
as they followed Christ. 

" How instructive is the reply of the blessed Jesus to 
the disciple who inquired : ' Lord, what shall this man 
do?' 'If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to 
thee? Follow thou me.' It is not our place to judge 
others who may believe themselves called into a different 
path from that in which we walk, but rather to follow in 
the footsteps of our Holy Exemplar, who did no sin, 
neither was guile found in his mouth ; who, when he was 
reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered, he threatened 
not, but committed himself to Him that judgeth right- 
eously. 

"Much solicitude and religious concern have been felt 
in this meeting, that in the education of our precious 
children we may seek a qualification to lead them in the 
way of righteousness, both by precept and example. For 
this end provision should be made for a guarded religious 
education at school, and suitable books for use in the 
family. 

"We were reminded that this Yearly meeting has at 
various times issued advices to its members, inciting them 
to the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures, the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 207 

authenticity of which has always been acknowledged by the 
Society of Friends. We believe it is not the part of true 
wisdom to dwell upon defects, whether real or imaginary, 
in the sacred records, but rather to make use of them as 
they were intended, ' for reproof, for correction, for in- 
struction in righteousness/ remembering that it is only 
through the operation of the Spirit of Truth on our hearts 
that they can be made availing to us in the promotion of 
our salvation." 

The two Friends mentioned in the foregoing extract 
as prisoners in Richmond were William Williams and 
Robert J. Hollingsworth, of Waterford, members of Fairfax 
Monthly Meeting. They were held as hostages for two 
secessionists, who, on account of their aiding the rebellion, 
were taken by the Federal troops and held as citizen pris- 
oners. We saw no way to obtain the release of our 
friends but by petitioning the Federal executive for the 
release of the two secessionists. For this purpose I went 
twice to Washington City in company with Mary, the 
wife of William Williams, and her brother, James M. 
Walker. We were treated kindly by the President, and 
at the time of our Yearly Meeting we thought the exchange 
we desired was about to be effected ; but the Secretary of 
War would not consent, and we were obliged to relinquish 
the hopes we had cherished. 

Our proceedings were known to the friends and rela- 
tives of the two rebel prisoners, and when they found 
their object could not be effected by holding the hostages, 
they petitioned the authorities at Richmond to release 
them, which was done. When James M. Walker was as- 
sured that our friends were released, he wrote to General 
Hitchcock, in Washington, soliciting the release of the 
two secessionists, and the Secretary of War, E. M. Stan- 
ton, promptly granted the request. 



208 Memoirs of Samuel Jlf. Janney. 

During the last two years, I have devoted a large share 
of my attention, when at home, to the last two volumes of 
my History of the Society of Friends. I have been sub- 
ject to many interruptions, and at times so disheartened by 
the dreadful conflict raging in our State, that I was not in 
a condition to prosecute with vigor any work requiring a 
prolonged mental effort. Often when employed at my 
desk the roar of cannon has brought to my ears the sad 
tidings that my fellow-creatures were engaged in deadly 
conflict, and the reflection that many were then suffering 
excruciating pains or dying on the field of battle, could 
not fail to enlist my sympathies. 

On the east, the south and the west, within a range of 
about thirty miles from my dwelling, many battles have 
been fought, and the report of artillery has at times been 
heard from a distance still greater. 

Often have my prayers been put up to the Ruler of the 
Universe, — the Author of all good — that He would be 
pleased, in His own good time, to cause the raging storm 
of war to cease, and to breathe upon the hearts of those 
engaged in it, causing them to relinquish the bloody strife, 
and to unite once more in the peaceable maintenance of 
our excellent civil government. 

I have been long satisfied that nearly all our National 
troubles have sprung from the oppression of our fellow- 
creatures, and the calamities that have come upon the 
slaveholding states may be considered a just retribution 
for transgression. 

The system of slavery, as it has existed here, degrades 
the slave and corrupts the master. It has engendered, in 
the dominant race, a degree of arrogance and pride that 
induced them to spurn the restraints of law, and, more- 
over, it has produced habits of idleness and dissipation, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Jamiey. 209 

ruinous to the estates and the morals of many. During 
nearly forty years past I have found it my duty to bear 
testimony against this enormous evil, both with my voice 
and the pen, and every year I live confirms the abhorrence 
of it. I may acknowledge, however, that during a few 
years immediately preceding the rebellion, I found fewer 
opportunities to urge the claims of the down-trodden slave 
to the rights of humanity. 

Those who supported the system had grown callous and 
reckless ; blinded by their supposed interests, and misled 
by their clergy, they rushed forward to destruction. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
1864. 

With a committee, visits Friends in Iowa who have applied for the 
privilege of holding a Quarterly Meeting. 

1864, Fifth month, 5th. — I left my home in order to 
meet at Baltimore a committee of our Yearly Meeting, ap- 
pointed to visit Friends in Iowa who have applied for the 
privilege of holding a Quarterly Meeting. The Federal 
forces on the line of the Potomac maintain at this time a 
strict blockade, on account of the military movements now 
taking place in Virginia. No mails are allowed to pass 
either way, nor are any persons without a pass from the Gov- 
ernment permitted to cross the river, except refugees going 
north and persons bringing grain from Virginia. 

At Berlin I met, on the Virginia shore, the United 
States Provost Marshal, and on making application for a 
passage, he said I could go over and report myself as a 

14 



210 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

refugee to the General commanding at Harper's Ferry. I 
told him I was not a refugee, but a minister of the Society 
of Friends, under an appointment of our Yearly Meeting 
going to Iowa on religious service, and that I had written 
to my friends in Maryland to procure me a passport, which 
I had no doubt they would obtain. After some reflection 
he said, as I was a minister in a Society that was generally 
loyal, he would give me a pass to Baltimore, and he wished 
me as soon as I obtained my passport to send him a copy 
of it. As I passed the Point of Rocks on the railroad, I 
was informed by a Friend that a passport from the Presi- 
dent of the United States had been received there and 
been forwarded to Waterford for me. 

9th. — Left Baltimore this morning in company with my 
valued friends Benjamin P. Moore and wife and Mary B. 
Needles, being a part of the Yearly Meeting's committee. 

1 2th. — Arrived at West Liberty, and met with a cordial 
welcome from our friends. 

14th. — Attended Monthly Meeting at Wapsinonoc, 
near West Liberty. The meeting for worship was a sea- 
son of Divine favor, during which Mary B. Needles, Joseph 
A. Dugdale and myself were engaged in advocating the 
cause of Truth. 

J. A. Dugdale has lately been received again into mem- 
bership, after having been many years separated from eur 
Society and connected with those called Progressive 
Friends. That movement having proved unsuccessful, 
and most of the meetings that originated from it being 
extinct, several persons who left the Society of Friends to 
join it have come back into membership, and, I trust, will 
henceforth be satisfied to move in unity with the body. 

The business of the Monthly Meeting was conducted 
in harmony and brotherly love. In the afternoon we at- 
tended the Preparative meeting of ministers and elders. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Ja?iney. 211 

Fifth month, 15th, First-day. — The meeting to-day was 
very large and solemn. I was engaged in Gospel minis- 
try, on the subject of Christ's miracles in feeding the mul- 
titudes and healing their diseases, which he did through 
the power of God dwelling in him without measure. 
Those wonderful works are recorded as facts and appealed 
to by him as evidences of his mission and authority. 
When we consider the vast importance of his mission, not 
only to that people, but to all succeeding generations of 
mankind, we need not marvel that Infinite Goodness 
should so far condescend to the condition of the people 
as to show forth, by signs and wonders, the power and 
authority of His Beloved Son, in order to confirm the 
glorious truths that he taught and to introduce the Gospel 
dispensation. The same Divine Power is spiritually mani- 
fested to the faithful followers of Christ as present with 
them according to their several measures of the Heavenly 
gift, to feed them with spiritual food, to heal them of their 
spiritual maladies, and to raise them from death to life. 
These wonders of Divine Power performed in the soul, 
are more important than the healing of physical diseases, 
because more permanent and more essential to our happiness. 

17th. — The committee proceeded to Prairie Grove, a 
distance of forty miles. On the way we halted at Columbus, 
and paid a very satisfactory visit to Sarah Dugdale, an aged 
minister, who is a remarkable example of Christian love 
and grace abounding. 

18th and 19th. — We visited a number of Friends in 
their families with much satisfaction. Accompanied by 
M. B. Needles and J. A. Dugdale and wife, I went to 
Mount Pleasant to attend an evening meeting appointed 
at my request. I found it my duty to address fche meeting 
on the spiritual and practical nature of Christianity. 



212 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

22nd, First-day. — The committee attended meeting at 
Prairie Grove, which was well filled with an attentive 
audience, mostly members of our Society, or nearly united 
with us in religious sentiment. Our dear friend Joseph A. 
Dugdale appeared in supplication in a feeling and solemniz- 
ing manner. 

My mind was impressed with the great responsibility 
that attends the exercise of Gospel ministry and the duties 
of those who occupy the station of ministers. We should 
be not only servants of God, but also servants of the 
Church. "We preach not ourselves, " said the Apostle 
Paul, "but Jesus Christ the Lord, and ourselves your ser- 
vants for Christ's sake." I endeavored to show that all 
who are regenerated and united to Christ the Head by the 
bond of the Spirit, are one body, whatever name they 
may bear here, and whether they belong to the Church 
Militant on earth or the Church Triumphant in Heaven. 
" Ye are built upon the foundation of prophets and apos- 
tles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone." 
He is the vine, they who are united to him are the 
branches, who bring forth fruit according to the measure 
of grace received. In him, the blessed Son of God, dwelt 
a full manifestation of Divine Power, for it pleased the 
Father that " in him should all fulness dwell, and "of his 
fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." The 
Apostles acknowledged him as their Lord and Master, and 
Peter, on the day of Pentecost, when speaking from in- 
spiration, said : "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof 
we are all witnesses, therefore being by the right hand of 
God exalted, and having received of the Father the pro- 
mise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth that which we 
now see aud hear." A measure of the same Divine Power 
which dwelt without measure in Jesus was given to the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 



213 



Apostles, and through this they wrought miracles in his 
name. Thus, when the lame man was healed at the gate 
of the temple called Beautiful, the Apostles Peter and John 
said: " Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of 
Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom 
ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him 
doth this man stand here before you whole." And in like 
manner Peter said unto one sick of the palsy: "Eneas, 
Jesus Christ maketh thee whole." 

The Apostles did not affect to be "lords over God's 
heritage," but were, in humility and meekness, examples of 
the flock. They were servants of God and servants of the 
Church. So should every minister of Christ walk as they 
walked, in lowliness of mind, giving no just occasion of 
offence, but condescending to the infirmities of the weak, 
as our blessed Lord washed the disciples' feet. This sub- 
ject was further illustrated by reference to important facts 
in ecclesiastical history, showing the disastrous conse- 
quences that have resulted from the pride and ambition of 
some who pretended to be ministers of Christ. 

Our dear friend Mary B. Needles followed with some 
appropriate remarks, and after an interval of silence, 
I found my way open to address the young people on the 
duty of devoting the prime of their day to the service of 
God, showing the happiness that would result from it. 

Before I parted with the other members of the Yearly 
Meeting's Committee, we conferred together on the sub- 
ject of our appointment, and were entirely united in judg- 
ment that the establishment of a Quarterly Meeting here, 
as requested, will be right and conducive to the welfare of 
the Society. 

On Second-day, the 23rd of Fifth month, I parted with 
my dear companions in travel, they returning homeward 



214 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

and I remaining in Iowa to accomplish the remainder of 
the service assigned me. At Burlington I went on board 
a steamboat and proceeded up the Mississippi River to 
Muscatine. The separation from my companions and the 
remembrance of my dear family and friends at home, more 
than a thousand miles distant, together with the perils and 
anxieties attendant on the civil war now raging in Vir- 
ginia, all tended to produce a feeling of loneliness almost 
amounting to melancholy. But remembering the many 
mercies extended to me in times past by the Author of my 
being, I found comfort in the assurance that He is ever 
nigh to keep those who trust in Him. May He be pleased 
to preserve and guide the dear inmates of my home, and 
extend over our beloved country the sceptre of His merci- 
ful protection, to assuage the passions of men, and restore 
the blessings of peace. 

After attending meetings at Iowa City, Wapsinonoc and 
Atalissa, I left West Liberty on the 30th, and proceeded 
to Marshall County, Illinois, by rail and stage. Much 
of the way was through a beautiful rolling prairie decked 
with flowers, and in many places abounding in flocks of 
sheep and herds of cattle, with farm houses and villages 
frequently in view. 

31st. — Attended a meeting appointed for me at Mari- 
etta, a village five miles from Marshalltown. The Divine 
Life was felt, and I thought I was favored in ministering. 
There are many Friends in the neighborhood connected 
with us, and a settlement of Orthodox Friends near, some 
of whom were present. Our Friends feel the want of a 
meeting, but they think they are too weak to hold one. I 
encouraged them to look for strength to the Shepherd of 
Israel. 

Sixth month, 1st. — I arrived at Sterling, Illinois, and 






Meinoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 215 

after spending several days in that vicinity visiting Friends 
(some of whom had lately moved from Loudoun County, 
Virginia, to Illinois, and had looked for my visit with 
deep interest,) and appointing one meeting there, I came, 
on the 4th, to Chicago, and was met at the cars by a 
Friend who conducted me to the house of David Town- 
send. 

Sixth month, 5 th, First-day. — I attended a meeting 
here. It was composed of some of our Society, a num- 
ber of Orthodox Friends, and a few Norwegians, who are 
friends in principle. They meet every First-day in a room 
belonging to the Young Men's Christian Association, and 
the meeting is understood to be free to all who profess 
with Friends, but is not under the control of any meet- 
ing for discipline. It has been gathered within a few 
months, and I trust will continue to increase and prosper. 
The room, I suppose, would accommodate one hundred 
and fifty people, and was about three-fourths filled. I 
found my mind clothed with love and furnished with 
ability to preach the Gospel to them, and I think it met 
with acceptance in the hearts of all. 

After meeting I received a cordial greeting from many, 
and the Norwegians, who could speak but little of our 
language, manifested their unity and good feeling. Some 
of them at times appear in supplication and exhortation 
in their own language, which is unintelligible to most of 
the audience, but our Friends say the unction that accom- 
panies their ministry may be felt. 

Sixth month, 7th. — Having returned from Chicago to 
Joseph Wilson's, near Sterling, I attended a meeting ap- 
pointed at my request. It was held in a grove, where 
seats had been provided, and there was a considerable 
company in attendance, most of whom were Friends or 



21 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

descendants of Friends. It was considered a good meet- 
ing, and I was favored in communication. 

In the evening I came to Dixon, about twelve miles, 
where a meeting had been appointed for me in the Meth- 
odist Meeting-house. It was large and solemn, though 
very few Friends live near enough to attend. The congre- 
gation was of various sects ; most of the ministers in the 
town were present, and about two hundred soldiers, lately- 
recruited; were in attendance. The subject opened to my 
view and chiefly dwelt upon was the doctrine of regenera- 
tion, showing the necessity of being born again of the 
Spirit in order to attain to holiness and happiness. It was 
a favored season, and, I think, generally felt to be so. 

8th. — Leaving Dixon, I proceeded on my way, and at 
Tonica, a distance of fifty-six miles, was met by our 
kind friend William M. Price, who came with a carriage 
to convey me eight miles to his house. There I met Eliz- 
abeth Brooks, minister from Blue River Quarterly Meeting, 
and her companion, Eliza Satterthwaite, who were accom- 
panied by William Lewelling and were visiting the meet- 
ings and families of Friends in the love of the Gospel. 

The evening passed sweetly in the company of these 
dear friends, and we had a religious opportunity in the 
family that was refreshing to our minds. 

9th. — Attended Clear Creek Meeting of Friends, and 
notice of our coming having been given, the house was 
crowded. It was a precious baptizing season, in which 
Elizabeth Brooks and her companion participated with me 
in Gospel communication. 

In the afternoon I went to Henry, and next morn- 
ing proceeded to Canton, where I was welcomed by Jonah 
H. Rees and family. 

The following day he and his wife went with me twenty- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 217 

eight miles to Ipava, Fulton County, and thence to the 
house of my cousin, Joseph Russell. 

10th, First-day. — We attended Friends' Meeting at 
Plainfield. Notice being given, the house was crowded, 
and the meeting was favored with the evidence of Divine 
life. For many years this meeting had been in a weak, 
declining condition ; there has lately been some improve- 
ment in the attendance of its members, and I trust it will 
not be forsaken. 

After spending a day in visiting my relatives, I came 
about one hundred and fifty miles to Benjaminville, where 
I attended the meeting on Fifth-day, which was satis- 
factory. 

17th. — Came to Honey Creek, and had an appointed 
meeting at the house of David Reynolds. The notice was 
short, but most of the Friends and some others were in 
attendance. I felt the reward of peace. 

18th. — Came to Richmond, Indiana, and the next day 
being the first of the week, I attended their meeting. The 
subject of the communication was the healing of our spir- 
itual maladies through the power of Christ, and the neces- 
sity of our having faith in him as an ever-present Saviour. 

22nd. — Remained there until to-day, when I came to 
Springbok and attended Monthly Meeting, and also one 
for the solemnization of a marriage. 

26th, First-day. — Attended meeting at Waynesville in 
the forenoon, and had an appointed one in the afternoon 
at the Grove Meeting-house, near Harveysburg. Many 
colored people were in attendance, who came from Vir- 
ginia within a few years past, and having known me there, 
were anxious to see me. Their greetings were warm, and 
their inquiries after their old friends and neighbors were 
earnest and affectionate. Some of them had worked for 



218 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

me, and some of the younger ones I had taught in a First- 
day school at our house. They manifested their regard in 
the most earnest manner. 

After visiting the meetings of Green Plain and Oak- 
land, I started for my home, where I arrived on the 30th, 
and had the satisfaction of finding my family in better 
health than when I left them, for which favor and the 
many mercies of our Father in Heaven I desire to be pro- 
foundly grateful. In this journey I was absent from home 
eight weeks, and travelled about three thousand and fifty- 
five miles. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

i864- , 65. 

Citizens of Loudoun arrested by Union troops — Goes to Washington 
to procure their release — Interview with General Sheridan and 
other military commanders — Part of the prisoners liberated on pa- 
role, others kept as hostages for exchange — Attends Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting — Again lays before the meeting his concern that 
an equitable share of the property shall be offered the Orthodox 
Friends, which was united with — An extract from the minutes of 
the meeting — Goes to Philadelphia — A serious accident on the 
train — General Sheridan's raid in Loudoun — Much distress there — 
Help solicited from the North, which is cheerfully given — Closing 
of the war — Death of President Lincoln. 

On First-day, the 21st of Eighth month, 1864, as some 
of our Friends were going home from meeting they met a 
detachment of Federal cavalry, commanded by Major 
Waite, of Illinois. They had with them a number of citi- 
zen prisoners, whom they had arrested at or near their 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 219 

homes, and they added to the number several members 
of our Society then on their way from meeting. They 
passed near our house, but I was not at home. 

Early the next morning I went to Purcelville and found 
the troops and prisoners near that place in a piece of 
woods, where they had spent the night. I spoke to the 
Major on behalf of the citizens he had arrested, desiring 
that they might be liberated . He said he would release 
those I would vouch for as Union men, a number of whom 
had already been singled out for liberation before my ar- 
rival on the ground. As most of the others were strangers 
to me, and the whole of them were just on the point of 
marching, no opportunity was afforded to obtain their 
release. I solicited the liberation of Dr. B., not vouching 
for his loyalty, but on the ground of his usefulness in the 
neighborhood and the scarcity of physicians. My request 
was not granted, and the troops, with their prisoners, 
moved on. 

In the afternoon of the same day I was notified by two 
of Moseby's Confederate cavalry that I must report to 
Moseby within fifteen days unless Dr. B. was released. 
They said other Union men would be held responsible for 
the return of such of the prisoners as were secessionists. I 
told them there was no need of placing me under any re- 
straint, as I had already made application for the release 
of the doctor and other prisoners, and that I was then pre- 
paring to go to Washington for the same purpose. They 
exacted no promise from me, and took leave. 

My wife and I had been expecting to go to Alexandria 
on a visit, and intended to start about the middle of the 
week, but I thought it best to proceed at once, and let her 
follow me in a few days. I had a passport from the Presi- 
dent of the United States, authorizing me to cross the Po- 



220 Memoirs of Samite I M. Janney, 

tomac and go to Baltimore. When I arrived near the 
river, I met some Union men returning from the ferry at 
Point of Rocks, who told me no person was allowed to go 
over, and although one of them had a pass from General 
Augur, they were warned by the Federal troops to leave 
the river, and a gun was fired over their heads from the 
opposite side. I concluded, however, to go on, and when 
I reached the ferry the guards on the Maryland side hal- 
looed to know what I wanted. I replied : "I wish to go 
over on important business. I have a pass from the Presi- 
dent of the United States. Ask the captain to come 
over. ,, The captain came, and agreed, after some hesita- 
tion, to allow me to proceed to Washington, accompanied 
by a young friend. 

On Fourth-day morning I waited on General Augur, 
in Washington, who treated me with courtesy and kind- 
ness, expressed his apprehensions that the arrest of the 
citizens in Loudoun would lead to unpleasant conse- 
quences, and gave me a letter to C. A. Dana, Assistant 
Secretary of War. 

I immediately waited on him, and was kindly received. 
He said the order originated with Lieutenant General 
Grant, and was intended only to bring out of Loudoun 
such citizens as were liable to rebel conscription. He felt 
some hesitation about releasing the prisoners, although 
some of them were old men, beyond the age for military 
service. 

He proposed that I should go to General Sheridan, 
commander of the military district in which Loudoun is 
included. His headquarters being near Harper's Ferry, 
the Secretary gave me a passport, together with General 
Augur's letter and his own endorsement. 

On Fifth-day morning, the 25th, accompanied by a 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 221 

citizen of Jefferson County, I went by railroad to Harper's 
Ferry, thence proceeded about two miles beyond, where I 
found General Sheridan's headquarters in a tent, and his 
army encamped in sight. He received me courteously, 
read the letter, and heard my statement. Then he re- 
marked : " We must all bear the burdens imposed by this 
war. I and my soldiers have to bear our burden in the 
field of battle ; thousands of bereaved families have to 
bear theirs in the loss of near and dear kindred ; and you 
people of Loudoun must not complain if you have to bear 
your share." I told him the Union men of Loudoun were 
truly loyal, and we did not wish to embarrass the Govern- 
ment ; we thought, however, that no advantage, but much ( 
injury, would result from the manner in which General 
Grant's order had been executed. He said the old men 
should be released, and also the doctors, of whom there 
were two among the prisoners ; as to the rest, he would 
telegraph to General Augur in relation to them. After a 
pleasant interview we took leave, and next day returned 
to Washington. 

Seventh-day, 27th. — In company with William Wil- 
liams and C. P. Janney I waited on General Augur, who 
said he had not received the telegram from General Sheri- 
dan. We then waited on Secretary Dana, and I reported 
the result of my interview with General Sheridan. I told 
him, moreover, that I apprehended the most disastrous 
consequences from the policy that I feared was about to 
be pursued by the Federal forces. If they swept through 
the county frequently, arresting peaceable citizens who 
had committed no overt act against the Federal govern- 
ment, and against whom there was no charge except for 
their political opinions, the consequence would be that an 
equal number of Union men would be arrested by the seces- 



222 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

sionists and carried as prisoners to Richmond, where the 
most cruel treatment awaits them. And furthermore, if the 
Federal troops come and destroy our crops and take away 
our cattle, as they have done in Frederick and Jefferson 
Counties, it will inflict great suffering without any equiva- 
lent advantage. 

After hearing my statement, the Secretary advised me to 
write to General Grant on the subject, and the letter 
should be forwarded by the War Department. I told him 
I was willing to do so, and would bring him my letter. 

During one of my visits to the War Department I met 
with Major De Vere Burr, Judge of the County Court, 
District of Columbia, who was waiting to see the Secretary 
on the same errand that brought me thither. We soon 
formed an acquaintance, and finding our sentiments to coin- 
cide, a friendship sprang up between us, which led us to 
become fellow laborers. 

First-day, 28th. — This day I had two appointed meet- 
ings for Divine worship in Alexandria. The Friends' 
Meeting House has for about two years past been occupied 
for a hospital, and the meeting has gone down. Judge 
Underwood, of the United States District Court, kindly 
gave us the use of his Court Room, and, with his family, 
attended both meetings. 

Second-day, 29th. — In conjunction with De Vere Burr, 
we resumed our efforts for the liberation of such of the 
prisoners as we deemed worthy. Having obtained a list 
of the names, we collected testimony from Union men 
concerning the characters of those whom they knew, and 
such as were peaceable and inoffensive we recommended 
to the favorable consideration of Secretary Dana. I gave 
him a list of about twenty-eight, whom he agreed to liber- 
ate on parole. Most of the married men were allowed to 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 223 

return to their homes, promising to do nothing to the 
injury of the United States Government; but the young 
men were required to promise further, that they would not 
during the war go into any State in insurrection without 
permission from the proper military authorities. 

From some of the released prisoners, who were reliable 
men, we procured testimony concerning others yet con- 
fined in Carrol Prison, and by this means obtained the 
liberation of twenty more. Two or three were liberated 
by the solicitation of others, and about twelve left in 
prison. In effecting the release of the prisoners, we were 
employed most of the week, and while thus engaged we 
learned that another company of prisoners, thirty-two in 
number, were brought from Loudoun and lodged in Carrol 

Prison. Among them was A R , who had long 

occupied a conspicuous place in the State of Virginia, 
having represented the County of Loudoun in the State 
Senate and filled other important offices. Like most 
others of his class in Eastern Virginia, when the State 
seceded, he was induced to go with her, though he had 
been strongly attached to the Federal Union. 

He has, however, been kind to Union men, and on one 
occasion, when Southern soldiers were about to seize the 
goods in our store, he, with others, interposed and saved 
them. In company with D. V. B. I visited him and some 
others in prison, and, on representing his case to General 
Augur, he was brought out and offered the same form of 
parole that had been granted to others, in order that he 
might return to his home, but he declined it and returned 
to prison. He stated his objection to giving the parole 
nearly as follows : "I have a son and several nephews in 
the Confederate Army. If they should come to my house 
I cannot turn them away ; and should the Federal troops 



224 Alemoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

approach while they are there, I must take the liberty of 
warning them to make their escape. This, perhaps, would 
be considered an act injurious to the Federal cause and 
therefore a violation of my parole. And moreover, I wish 
to retain the privilege of expressing freely my sentiments 
without restraint. I fear the parole would injure me in 
the estimation of my fellow citizens of Virginia, who have 
always honored me with their confidence." He was 
remanded to prison. 

Information being received by the War Department that 
twenty-six citizens of Pennsylvania, carried off by the 
Confederates, have been prisoners for about a year, and 
are now in Salisbury, North Carolina, it has been con- 
cluded to hold General R and twenty-five of his fellow 

prisoners as hostages, for exchange, and to apprise the 
Confederate Government at Richmond of the fact. 

1864, Eleventh month, 3rd. — Our Yearly Meeting held 
at Baltimore, has been a season of Divine favor, during 
which we have been permitted to draw nigh to the Father 
of Spirits, and to rejoice together in His presence. At the 
last sitting I felt constrained by a sense of duty to open 
once more a concern that had come up from our Monthly 
and Quarterly Meetings some years ago, but which was 
not then united with by the Yearly Meeting. It was a 
proposition to offer to the Orthodox Friends, who hold 
their Annual Assembly in Baltimore, an equitable share of 
the property held by our Yearly Meeting, to be divided 
between the two bodies according to the number of mem- 
bers composing each of them in 1828, when the separation 
took place. The proposition was adopted without a dis- 
senting voice, and the Representative Committee was 
directed to open a communication with the Orthodox 
Friends and make them the offer. This concern having 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 225 

been on my mind at times for many years, I was truly glad 
that the proposed measure was adopted with so much 
unanimity. 

The Committee appointed to embody the exercises of 
the Yearly Meeting, produced a minute, which was sent 
down in the " Extracts' ' to our subordinate meetings. 

The following passages have been selected from it : — 

" The sanguinary conflict that now rages in our beloved 
country, laying waste some of its fairest scenes, bringing 
to an untimely grave many thousands of its inhabitants, 
and causing bereavement throughout the land, has called 
forth the expression of much sympathy for those who are 
suffering from this awful calamity. It has been our 
earnest prayer that we may not put our trust in the arm 
of flesh, but rather rely upon the never-failing arm of 
Divine power, which sustained our worthy ancestors in 
seasons of severe suffering, made them instrumental in 
promoting the cause of Truth, and, in His own good time, 
delivered them from all their afflictions. 

"Our ancient testimony to the peaceable nature of 
Christ's kingdom, has been made more dear to our hearts, 
by contemplating the scenes of carnage and destruction 
that abound in our land. It was doubtless the intention of 
the Most High in sending his beloved Son into the world, 
to redeem mankind from the dominion of evil, to influence 
them by his meek example and sublime precepts, and 
through the guidance of his pure Spirit, to bring them into 
harmony and fraternal love. This happy condition was 
shadowed forth in the figurative language of prophecy : 
'The wolf shall dwell with the lamb ; the leopard shall lie 
down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion, and 
the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.' 

"The primitive Christian Church was the depository of 



226 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

this pure doctrine, which subsequently became obscured 
through the false teaching of a corrupt priesthood, and an 
alliance with the world ; but being revived by the early 
Friends, the precious legacy has been transmitted to us. 
May we ever remember that the Truth of God can only be 
promoted by obedience to His spiritual law; and placing 
the light upon the candlestick by a consistent example, 
may we keep alive the sacred flame which must spread far 
and wide, before the prophecy shall be fulfilled, 'The 
kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our 
Lord and of His Christ. ' 

" We have rejoiced in the announcement that, throughout 
the State of Maryland, liberty has been proclaimed to the 
long-oppressed descendants of Africa, and an earnest de- 
sire has been expressed in this Meeting, that we may not 
be unmindful of the great work yet to be accomplished, in 
extending to the freed people who dwell among us, the 
benefits of education and Christian care. In contempla- 
ting the progress of our testimony against slavery, from 
its small beginning near the close of the 17th century, to 
the present day, our hearts are filled with gratitude and 
love to that Almighty Being who called our predecessors 
to labor in this cause, and led them safely along through 
the guidance of His grace. The prophetic language of 
John Woolman, written nearly one hundred years ago, has 
been feelingly revived among us, as being now in the pro- 
cess of fulfilment : * I have seen in the light of the Lord, 
that the day is approaching, when the man that is most 
wise in human policy, shall be the greatest fool ; and the 
arm that is mighty to support injustice, shall be broken to 
pieces. The enemies of righteousness shall make a terrible 
rattle, and shall mightily torment one another; for He 
that is omnipotent is rising up to judgment, and will plead 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 227 

the cause of the oppressed ; and He commanded me to 
open the vision. ' 

" The Christian duty of dealing with offenders in the 
spirit of meekness and love, has been, to our minds, a sub- 
ject of religious exercise, and an earnest desire is felt that 
at this trying season we may be governed by Divine wis- 
dom, remembering that the first object to be sought is the 
restoration of the diseased member to health rather than 
its separation from the body. 

" Our Meeting this year has been unusually large, and 
favored with remarkable solemnity. A considerable 
number have attended from that section of our country 
where the scourge of war has exerted its desolating effects. 
Although great pecuniary losses have been sustained, and 
personal danger sometimes encountered, we have rejoiced 
in learning that the Meetings of Friends have been gene- 
rally kept up, their lives have been preserved from the hand 
of violence, and amidst all their trials, they have often had 
cause to rejoice in the Lord." 

After the close of the Yearly Meeting I went to Wash- 
ington and Alexandria, with other members of a Com- 
mittee appointed by our Quarter, to visit the Friends in 
those places. We found in Washington a very small body 
of Friends, who keep up their meetings for worship on 
First-days, but have dropped them in the middle of the 
week. 

We held conference with them to encourage them in the 
faithful performance of their religious duties, and on First- 
day morning we met with them. 

The meeting of Friends at Alexandria had been discon- 
tinued for more than two years, and the house was now 
occupied by the Government for a hospital. On First-day 
afternoon we appointed a meeting in the Town Hall, to 



228 Memoirs of Samuel M> Janney. 

which Friends and others were invited ; at the close of 
which we proposed to hold a conference with those present 
who wished to see the Friends' meeting in Alexandria re- 
established. Several families of our members remained 
with us, and, after conversing with them, it was concluded 
to meet and confer together in the evening at Dr. Edward 
Janney's house. 

We met accordingly, there being about twenty present, 
and it proved to be a solemn and satisfactory occasion. It 
appeared to be the unanimous wish of those present to 
revive the meeting, and the room where we met being 
offered for that purpose, it was accepted as a temporary 
arrangement until their meeting house could be procured. 

A few days afterwards two of the Friends applied to the 
authorities at Washington for the restoration of their meet- 
ing hotise, which was promptly granted, and orders were 
given for it to be repaired at the expense of the Govern- 
ment. 

Leaving Alexandria, I went to Washington, and met 
there some other members of our Yearly Meeting Commit- 
tee on Indian concerns. 

We waited on the United States Commissioner of Indian 
Affairs, to whom we represented the condition of the 
Seneca Indians, who have lately suffered from the ravages 
of disease. 

The Commissioner manifested much interest in the 
welfare of the Indians, and agreed to grant, from the pub- 
lic funds, some further assistance to the Orphan Asylum 
on the Reservation. 

At Washington I took the cars for Philadelphia. Some 
detention occurring on the road, we did not reach Balti- 
more in time to make the usual connection, and being 
delayed there some hours, we did not start for Philadelphia 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 229 

until near eleven o'clock at night. After running for 
about an hour a terrible crash occurred, many of the cars 
were thrown off the track, and that in which I was seated 
was whirled round across the track, thrown with violence 
on its side, and much broken. I felt that we were in 
imminent danger, and put up a petition to our Almighty 
Protector, who graciously preserved me from harm, and to 
Him alone I ascribe the praise. One man, who sat not 
far from me, was killed, and one, in another car, was so 
severely injured that he died in a few hours. Many were 
bruised, but considering the violence of the concussion, it 
is wonderful that so few lives were lost. It was about mid- 
night, and no house being in sight, the passengers made 
large fires, using fragments of the cars for fuel. There we 
remained till morning, when a train from Philadelphia 
came and took us thither. I went directly to the Quar- 
terly Meeting of Friends then sitting in the City, which I 
attended with satisfaction. 

After visiting my daughter-in-law and grandchildren, 
in Columbia County, New York, I returned to my home 
about the 2nd of the Twelfth month, where I found 
my friends and neighbors much distressed from a calamity 
that had just occurred. 

It appears that Major General Sheridan, commanding 
the Middle Military Division of the Army of the United 
States, issued an order, in the Eleventh month, 1864, "to 
destroy and consume all forage and subsistence, burn all 
barns and mills with their contents, and drive off all 
stock," in the region lying between the Shenandoah River 
and the Catocten Mountain. This measure was intended 
to prevent the forage and subsistence from falling into the 
hands of guerilla bands who infest the northern part of 
Virginia. It was stated in the order, that " no dwellings 



230 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

were to be burned, and that no personal violence was to 
be offered to the citizens/ ' 

The region of country affected by this order includes 
the Friends' settlement around Goose Creek Meeting- 
house, and that in the vicinity of Waterford, as well as 
the village of Lovettsville, all of which are neighborhoods 
inhabited chiefly by citizens who have been steadfast in 
their loyalty to the National Government. 

The aggregate loss by Union men was, for property 
burned, $196,000, and for live stock taken away, about 
$60,000. That sustained by Friends of our Monthly 
Meeting at Goose Creek, was about $80,000, and by mem-- 
bers of Fairfax Monthly Meeting (held at Waterford), 
$23,000, including both property burned and live stock 
taken. No estimate that I know of has been made of the 
losses of the secessionists, but it must have been almost 
equally great. 

The measure was adopted from military expediency by 
General Sheridan, but it was evidently a blunder, as well 
as a great hardship to the people. 

After the burning, the troops were withdrawn to the 
Shenandoah valley, but very soon returned to winter here, 
and established an encampment near Lovettsville, in this 
county. The very forage and subsistence they had re- 
cently destroyed was then needed by themselves, and sup- 
plies had to be brought from Maryland. 

One of the principal sufferers in our neighborhood was 
my brother, Asa M. Janney, whose flouring and saw-mill, 
with upwards of three thousand bushels of wheat, were 
burned. He is one of the most thoroughly loyal citizens 
we have, and one of the most excellent of men. 

My own loss was small compared with many others; 
they did not burn my barn, owing to its proximity to a 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney* 231 

dwelling, but they drove away the horses and cattle owned 
by my son-in-law, W. T. Shoemaker, and myself. 

Feeling much sympathy for my neighbors, and espe- 
cially for the members of our religious Society who were 
stripped of their property, I wrote to my friends in Phila- 
delphia and New York, describing the condition of affairs 
here, and stating that some aid will be needed whenever 
the way opens for the resumption of business in the 
spring. Our Yearly Meeting last fall having appointed a 
committee to extend relief to Friends in Virginia who 
have suffered from the ravages of war, we think the pre- 
sent necessities of those among us who require aid can be 
supplied from that source. 

Our northern Friends have responded promptly and 
feelingly to our call, committees have been appointed to 
receive subscriptions, and there is a prospect of liberal 
contributions being made.* 

My neighbors and other Union men in the county, be- 
lieving that we have a just claim to compensation from 
the Federal Government for property burned or taken 
away, requested me to go to Washington and lay our case 
before Congress. Accordingly I wrote a petition, stating 
the case and asking for redress, which was soon signed by 
many loyal citizens. On reaching Washington, I waited 
on E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, who gave me no en- 
couragement to hope for any redress from his department. 
My cousin, Charles P. Janney, of our county, joined me, 
at my request, and we proceeded to work vigorously, call- 
ing on members of Congress and bringing to bear all the 
influence we could enlist in favor of our petition. The 
justice of our claim was generally acknowledged, but the 
immense amount of similar claims expected to be pre- 



* Large contributions were received. 



232 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 

sented, together with the enormous expenses of the war, 
induced some members to doubt the expediency of grant- 
ing the relief needed by our impoverished fellow-citizens. 

Our petition being referred, in the House of Repre- 
sentatives, to the Committee on Claims, we had inter- 
views with the members, and they agreed to report in our 
favor. A joint resolution, to pay for the live stock taken 
(about $60,000), was reported, and passed by the House, 
but the close of the session being very near, it did not 
pass the Senate.* There was also a bill reported to pay 
for the property burned belonging to loyal citizens, but it 
was not acted on in either House. 

I returned home in the latter part of the Second month, 
in time to attend our Quarterly Meeting. 

Early in the Third month, 1865, a detachment of Mose- 
by's cavalry, usually called rebel guerillas, came into our 
county, and began to seize the young men for conscripts 
in the Southern army ; they also proceeded to take one- 
tenth of all the corn, wheat and bacon, and to impress 
the wagons and teams of the farmers to transport it. Great 
alarm spread through the county, many of the young men 
fled to Maryland to escape conscription, and some who 
remained were taken ; but the soldiers did not relish the 
business of conscripting, and nearly all were allowed to 
escape. No members of our religious Society were taken. 

One rainy night about dusk, four mounted soldiers, 



* He subsequently had the assistance of other Friends in pressing 
those claims, and the Forty-second Congress (1872) passed a bill for 
$61,821.13, to pay the loyal citizens of Loudoun County for the stock 
driven off and sold by the United States Government; but the bill for 
the property burned and destroyed (for a much larger sum) never be- 
came a law, although passed by both Houses of Congress at different 
sessions. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 233 

having with them three conscripts on foot, applied at our 
house for entertainment. I declined receiving them ; but 
they insisted on staying, and I was under the necessity of 
admitting them. An' hour or two later, three other 
mounted soldiers came, and would take no denial, so I 
had to admit them. 

Some of the soldiers sat up all night, by turns, to watch 
the conscripts, who were sleeping on the floor, and the 
other soldiers slept in the same manner. 

Next morning, while the guards were attending to 
their horses, one of the conscripts fled and was not pur- 
sued \ the other two were taken forward, but we under- 
stood they also escaped, the soldiers not being anxious to 
recover them. 

Third month, 15th. — It is a time of perplexity and 
solicitude among us : the season is come for farmers to 
begin their spring work, but they know not what to do. 
Very few horses or cattle were left by the Federal troops, 
and those few are liable to impressment by the rebels, who 
are still engaged in taking away wheat, corn and bacon. 

Third month, 21st. — The Federal troops, about one 
thousand infantry and three hundred cavalry, having 
come into the county and reached Hamilton, three miles 
from our house, the guerilla cavalry under Moseby, one 
hundred and eighty in number, met near our meeting- 
house (in front of our dwelling), and formed in line. 
They waited awhile for the approach of the Federals, and 
then proceeded towards Hamilton to reconnoitre. About 
half a mile from that place they met the advanced guard 
of the Union troops, a small body, and fell suddenly upon 
them, driving them back to their lines, capturing a few, 
and killing and wounding several. 

22nd. — In company with my friend, William Holmes, 



234 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

I went to Hamilton, to see if any attention towards the 
wounded or dead was needed. We found the Federal 
troops had gone and taken another route to Upperville. 
Some of Moseby's men were there. We entered a house, 
where we found three dead bodies and one dying man. 
They were Union soldiers, and we understood four had 
been buried, and one lieutenant was lying a corpse in an 
adjoining house. Several wounded soldiers were in the 
village and near it, one of whom I visited. Two of the 
rebels, we were told, had been killed, and several were 
wounded. Finding there was no need of our services, we 
returned to our homes, passing over the ground where the 
fight had taken place and where a number of dead horses 
were lying. 

This skirmish was the nearest to our house of any that 
had taken place, and seemed to bring home to us a lively 
sense of the horrors of war. 

Fourth month, 12th. — We are now looking forward with 
joy and hope to a termination of this desolating and de- 
structive war, caused by the love of power and gain on the 
part of southern slaveholders. 

On Second-day evening, the 10th inst, we received the 
gratifying intelligence of Lee's surrender, with the whole 
rebel army, in Virginia. Our emotions cannot be ex- 
pressed, but will be remembered by us as long as memory 
endures. 

During four years we have been exposed here to the 
depredations of the soldiers, our young men liable to 
rebel conscription, our loyal citizens sometimes arrested 
and imprisoned by the rebels, the crops on some farms 
taken or destroyed, and the people kept in a state of fever- 
ish anxiety. 

Moseby's guerillas, this spring, came into the county, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 235 

and compelled the people to entertain them, sometimes 
stopping at the farmers' houses in squads of ten, twenty or 
thirty, and remaining without consent of the families where 
they lodged. We now see few of them, and suppose they 
will soon be disbanded. 

May we feel duly thankful to the Great Ruler of the 
Universe for this alleviation of our lot, and may we trust 
in Him alone as the Giver of every blessing. 

Fourth month, 19th. — The joy of the loyal people at 
the prospect of deliverance from rebel oppression and 
anticipated restoration of the National authority, is sud- 
denly turned into mourning for the loss of our beloved and 
venerated President, Abraham Lincoln. The news of his 
assassination, first received here on the 16th, seemed hardly 
credible, and the blockade at the Federal lines on the Po- 
tomac was so rigid, that we could not immediately obtain 
certain intelligence. On the 17th, we received a news- 
paper confirming the sorrowful report, and now we feel 
the sad bereavement which has brought deep and universal 
distress upon the people of the loyal states. For myself, 
I can say that I felt for him an affection and reverence 
that I never felt for any other statesman, and having had 
some acquaintance with him, I mourn his death as the loss 
of a personal friend. Many of the secessionists who four 
years ago reviled his character, having lately become con- 
vinced of his benevolent disposition and remarkable lenity 
towards his enemies, now regret his removal by the hand 
of the fiendish.assassin, and look forward with dread to the 
rigid measures anticipated from his successor. 

Once more we may say the counsels of Infinite Wisdom, 
in permitting such an event, are inscrutable to man ; let 
us, therefore, submit without a murmur, trust in God, and 
bow in reverence before Him. 



CHAPTER XIX 

1868. 

With a Minute of Concurrence, with his brother, Asa M. Janney, as 
companion, attends the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New 
York and Genesee, and some of the Meetings composing them. 

Fifth month, 2nd. — Left home with a prospect of attend- 
ing in Gospel love the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, 
New York and Genesee, and some of the meetings com- 
posing them, and of appointing others, as stated in minutes 
of concurrence from our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings. 
My brother Asa went as my companion. 

Fifth month, 9th. — Attended two sittings of the Phila- 
delphia Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. They 
were solemn and instructive. 

10th, First-day. — We attended, in the morning, the 
meeting for worship at Race Street. The congregation 
was very large. Meetings were held in both apartments, 
and in the school building. 

My mind was brought into exercise, and the subject of 
the new creation in the soul of man, by submitting to the 
light and power of the Divine Word, was opened and 
explained. 

The beginning and some of the successive steps of this 
great work were illustrated by the account given by Moses 
of the outward creation when this Globe was brought into 
order and prepared for the habitation of man. 

My dear friend Thomas Foulke, of New York, followed 
in an impressive discourse, further illustrating the same 
subject. 

(236) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 237 

In the afternoon we were at Spruce Street, and in the 
evening at Green Street meeting, in both of which I had 
some service. 

Fifth month, nth. — The Yearly Meeting was opened, 
and much interesting discourse from several Friends was 
listened to with attention. 

Third-day, the 12th. — This morning's sitting was chiefly 
occupied with the consideration of the answer to the first 
Query relating to attendance of meetings. It stands in 
relation to the other Queries as does the first and great 
commandment in the Decalogue. The worship of 
Almighty God and obedience to His law are the founda- 
tion on which all other duties must rest. 

In the afternoon the second Query, relating to love and 
unity, claimed the attention of the meeting. 

Fourth-day. — The forenoon sitting was occupied in 
considering the answers to the third Query, which relates 
to plainness of dress and address, the reading of the Holy 
Scriptures, and abstaining from the reading of pernicious 
books and corrupt conversation. Plainness of speech im- 
plies sincerity and truth. The faculty of communicating 
our thoughts and feelings is a precious gift that should 
never be abused by indulging in exaggeration for any pur- 
pose whatever. 

In the afternoon sitting of Fourth-day, there was much 
exercise in relation to a free Gospel ministry. I found, 
towards the close of the discussion, a duty laid upon me 
to open what I believe the true grounds of the ministry 
dependent for its authority, its exercise and its compensa- 
tion on the great Head of the Church. The objection to 
what is called in our Query "a hireling ministry, ,, is not 
merely that pecuniary compensation is received for it, but 
because of the unauthorized assumption of the clergy. A. 



238 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

large class of them, the Roman Catholics, pretend to 
stand as mediators between God and man, offering up, as 
priests, what they call the sacrifice of the mass, and assert- 
ing that the bread and wine, when consecrated by them, 
are the real body and blood of Christ. Many of the Pro- 
testant clergy assume that they only who are educated for 
the office and ordained by the imposition of hands are 
authorized to preach the Gospel ; while others among them 
claim no more than a call to be teachers of the people 
from a sense of duty. In the exercise of my gift as a min- 
ister, I have not found it my duty to denounce those of 
other denominations who claim the same call, nor to use 
harsh epithets, but rather to set forth the doctrines and 
example of Christ and his Apostles in relation to the calling 
and work of the ministry. We know that the ministry in 
our Society is much mixed with that which does not pro- 
perly belong to it ; and it does not become us to be cen- 
sorious, but rather to speak with humility and in charity. 

The history of our religious Society shows that the 
doctrines and testimonies of Friends did not take root or 
prevail in any part of Christendom except in those coun- 
tries where the Protestant Reformers had broken the 
ground and prepared the soil. 

They were instruments in the Divine hand, although 
many of them were of the class called clergy, and were 
maintained by their churches. Fenelon and Lady Guion 
were cotemporaries with George Fox and William Penn. 
They were eminent for their purity and self-denial ; few 
have been more devoted than they were to the service of 
God, and yet they did not see their way out of the Church 
of Rome, but retained their connection with it. 

They doubtless lived up to the light they had, and were 
eminently useful in their day. If they had seen further, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 239 

and gone to the length that George Fox did in exposing 
superstition and corruption in the Church, they would in 
all probability have been put to death, as thousands of 
other devoted Christians have been. 

Some persons suppose that all the faithful disciples of 
Christ will be enlightened in proportion to their obedience ; 
but it appears that Infinite Wisdom adapts His dispensa- 
tions and imparts His gifts according to the condition of 
His people and the services required of them. There is a 
superintending Providence that controls the order of 
events, not impairing the free agency of man, and there is 
given to every devoted soul a measure of grace sufficient 
to save it and to make it instrumental in promoting the 
salvation of others. 

Fifth-day, 14th. — Meetings for Divine worship were 
held. I attended at Race Street, where the audience was 
very large. Several communications in the line of the 
ministry were made, — most of them lively. I thought I 
was favored with authority to preach the Gospel. The 
language of the Prophet Daniel was brought to view: 
" The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and 
giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the 
basest of men.' ' 

The overruling providence of God in the affairs of men, 
and the guidance of His grace in the progress of the soul 
towards the spiritual kingdom were the chief subjects dwelt 
upon. The calling of Abraham, the preservation and 
fidelity of Joseph, the deliverance of the Israelites from 
the house of bondage, the giving of the Law, and the 
establishment of that people in the Land of Canaan, were 
cited as instances of Providential interposition, wherein 
the free agency of man was in no case violated, but all 
things were made to work together for good to those who 



240 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

loved God. The coming of the Son of God, the effect of 
his ministry, his miracles and his sufferings, were dwelt 
upon as evidences of the goodness and mercy of God, who 
so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, 
that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but should 
have everlasting life. The effect of his sufferings, death 
and resurrection was to bear witness to the truth, — to 
reconcile men to God and to establish the Gospel dispen- 
sation. It is His life, His spirit and power, that saves the 
soul by an inward change wrought in the character of 
those who submit to His government. 

Fifth-day, afternoon. — The meeting for discipline was 
held, and again continued on Sixth-day till about two 
o'clock p. m., when it closed in a season of sweet solem- 
nity and under a feeling of thankfulness for the evidences 
of Divine favor we had been permitted to enjoy. 

There was held at Race Street Meeting House, on Fifth- 
day evening, a conference of Friends' First-day School 
Association, at which delegates were present from Phila- 
delphia, Baltimore, Indiana and New York. The exercises 
were very interesting and the reports encouraging. 

On Seventh-day, the 16th, we had an appointed meeting 
for worship at Norristown. 

On First-day, attended in the morning at the Valley 
Meeting House, and in the afternoon the Circular Meeting 
at Radnor. The two latter were particularly favored with 
solemnity and power. 

On Second-day evening we reached Bristol, and held an 
appointed meeting. I thought I was favored to preach 
the Word of Life. 

We then proceeded to attend the following meetings, 
viz. : Falls, Middletown, Wrightstown, Newtown, Make- 
field, and Trenton, N. J. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 241 

They were all good meetings; but at Newtown and 
Trenton especially I thought the stream of Gospel ministry 
flowed most freely, and tenderness of feeling was mani- 
fested by many. May the Lord of the harvest bless the 
work. 

Fifth month, 22nd. — Arrived in New York. 

23rd. — Attended the sittings of the Meetings of Ministers 
and Elders. They were seasons of lively religious exercise. 

24th. — In the morning, at Fifteenth Street, the congre- 
gation was large, and several other ministers present. I 
found it my duty to declare the Word of Truth, as I 
thought, with acceptance to the people. 

In the afternoon attended the meeting at Brooklyn, 
which was large and ended well. 

25th. — The Yearly Meeting was opened, the reports from 
the Quarterly Meetings, read as usual, and some of the epis- 
tles from other Yearly Meetings ; the others postponed to 
a future sitting. 

In the evening attended a conference of the First-day 
school teachers and of others who felt an interest in this 
important concern. The right training of the youth and 
their religious instruction in the great truths recorded in 
the Scriptures, were the subjects that engaged our attention, 
and I found it my duty to offer a word of encouragement 
to those engaged in this work. 

26th. — The Yearly Meeting was occupied in considering 
the answers to the Queries and the condition of the Society. 
Many lively testimonies were delivered. The exhortations 
of George Truman were particularly good, and the meeting 
was considered very instructive. 

In the evening we met the Freedmen's Aid Association, 
where interesting and encouraging reports from the colored 
schools supported by Friends in the Southern States were 

16 



242 Me7iioirs of Samue/ M. Janney. 

read. Being called upon to express my views on the sub- 
ject, I did so at some length, giving an account of our 
schools in Virginia, and showing the necessity of contin- 
ued labor in this field for some time to come. 

27th. — Meetings for worship were held in the several 
meeting houses. I attended at Twenty-seventh Street, 
which was lively and instructive. 

In the afternoon we visited the Women's meeting. 
George Truman was with us, both of us having obtained 
permission the day before. He spoke very feelingly, and 
at considerable length. I followed him, in a discourse on 
the origin of Women's meetings for discipline, instituted 
by George Fox about two hundred years ago. The ten- 
dency of these meetings to educate the female mind in 
the qualities of self-reliance, reflection and religious effort, 
was brought into view, and the responsibility that rests 
upon that portion of our Society, as mothers, wives and 
sisters was set forth. 

In the evening we were at a meeting to promote the in- 
terests of Swarthmore College, which was well attended 
and lively. 

28th. — Two sittings of the Yearly Meeting were held, in 
which much interesting and instructive counsel was handed 
forth by many. 

In the evening a conference on First-day schools was 
held, which was encouraging. 

29th. — The Yearly Meeting closed under a feeling of 
precious solemnity, the wing of Divine goodness being 
extended over us, and it was thought to be the most inter- 
esting and encouraging one held here for many years. 
The subject of education was much discussed, and felt to 
be highly important. 

30th. — Held an appointed meeting at Flushing, Long 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 243 

Island. It was small, but satisfactory. Our friend, Thomas 
Foulke, was with us. 

31st. — At Matinicock I was enabled to speak on the 
calling and mission of the Apostle Paul, showing that by 
becoming obedient as he was to the revelations of Divine 
grace, and not consulting with flesh and blood, we may all 
become, not only " almost Christians,' ' but altogether 
"devoted to the Lord's service. " 

In the afternoon, we had an appointed meeting at Jeri- 
cho, which was rather small, and I felt but little power to 
preach the Gospel. 

Sixth month, 2nd. — Attended meetings at Bethpage 
and Jerusalem. The former small, the latter better at- 
tended and more lively. Subject of discourse, The Mis- 
sion of Christ. 

3rd.' — Was at the regular meeting at Westbury, and in 
the afternoon went to the house of Edmund Willets, at 
Manhasset, where we met a company of Friends who came 
to see us. They were members of an association that sup- 
ports a colored school at Lincoln, Virginia, and wished 
information in relation to the condition and prospects of 
the colored people in our state. We had a very pleasant 
interview with them. 

4th. — Attended the regular meeting at Manhasset. I 
thought it was favored with the evidence of Divine life. 
In the evening, had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn. 

5th. — Attended a meeting in the City of New York, 
appointed for me, at Friends' Meeting-house, Fifteenth 
Street. In the early part I felt depressed and discouraged, 
but was, through Divine aid, enabled to open and declare 
some of the most important doctrines of Christianity re- 
aring to the coming of Christ in the flesh, the nature of 
his spiritual kingdom, the effect of his sufferings and resur- 



244 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

rection, the spreading of the Gospel, the Apostasy, the 
Protestant Reformation, and the rise of the Society of 
Friends. 

It was considered by my companion and some others, 
a highly favored meeting, but I felt humbled with the thought 
that I had not done justice to the important subjects em- 
braced in my discourse. 

7th. — Went from New York to Poughkeepsie in a steam- 
boat. The beautiful scenery on the Hudson and the 
agreeable company we had, rendered the trip truly de- 
lightful. 

8th. — Attended meeting in the morning at Pough- 
keepsie, and in the afternoon at Pleasant Valley. In both 
places ability was given me to declare the Word of Life. 

9th. — Held an appointed meeting at Ghent. It was 
solemn and impressive, the Word of Consolation being 
preached to the sorrowing and afflicted. After visiting 
the meetings at Chatham and Albany, we went, by rail, to 
Niagara Falls, and spent a day there very pleasantly in 
viewing the wonderful cataract and other grand and beau- 
tiful scenery. 

T2th. — We proceeded on our way, by rail, to Lewis- 
ton, and thence, by steamboat, to Toronto, C. W., 
where we took the cars for Duffin's Creek Station. At 
Sherman Brown's we have found a very pleasant home. 
There are about forty-seven Friends, besides their own 
family, lodging in this house, and very hospitably enter- 
tained. 

Margaret Brown (widow of Nicholas Brown), is now in 
her eighty-sixth year. Her mental faculties are much 
weakened, and her memory impaired by age, but she is 
very cheerful and happy, the sweet sense of Divine life 
and love being still fresh, showing that the decay of the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 245 

corporeal nature does not affect the immortal part. She 
appears in the ministry in brief and lively communications, 
having the unction of the Holy Spirit. 

Sixth month, 13th. — We attended the meeting of min- 
isters and elders, which was satisfactory. 

14th. — The meeting in the forenoon was much crowded, 
but very orderly and solemn. I was favored with ability 
to open with clearness the subject of Christ's mission and 
the nature of his spiritual kingdom. In the afternoon 
there were many communications, most of them brief and 
lively. 

Second and Third-days were occupied with the business 
of the Yearly Meeting, one sitting only each day. 

Fourth-day a meeting for Divine worship was held, which 
was satisfactory, and in the evening of the same day, 
Thomas Foulke and I held one at Whitby, where we were 
enabled, through the condescending goodness of God, to 
preach the Gospel of Life and salvation through Christ. 

Sixth month, 18th. — The Yearly Meeting concluded. 
It was considered highly satisfactory, being favored with 
the evidence of Divine Life through which the business 
was transacted in harmony and love. My dear brother 
Asa, proceeded homeward immediately after the close of 
the meeting, having remained with me as long as he ex- 
pected when he left home. His company has been truly 
grateful and encouraging. 

The same day I proceeded, in company with John Hill- 
born and wife, to their residence, at Uxbridge, and on the 
morrow attended an appointed meeting there, and the 
next day one at Whitchurch. 

21st. — We were at King in the morning, and at Yonge 
Street in the evening. They were both good meetings, 
but the latter more particularly favored. The subject 



246 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

expounded was the first calling of the Gentiles through 
the ministry of Peter, the conversion of Cornelius, the 
doctrine then preached, and the terms of salvation through 
Christ. A number of Orthodox Friends were present. 

22nd. — My friend, Nathan Dennis, accompanied me as 
companion, and we proceeded, by rail, to Lobo, where 
we held an appointed meeting, thence to Yarmouth. I 
was there favored to preach the doctrine of regeneration 
with life and power, for which I feel thankful to the Author 
of all our blessings. 

25th. — Attended an appointed meeting at Malehide. 
It was small, and to me proved laborious. I have felt 
humbled under the consciousness of poverty and weak- 
ness, and trust the Lord will be near to guide and keep 
me in this very responsible service. 

26th. — Held an appointed meeting at Norwich; then 
travelled one hundred and fifteen miles to Pelham. It was 
formerly a large meeting, but the number of members is 
now much reduced. There was a full attendance of 
Friends and others, and the stream of Gospel ministry 
flowed freely, for which I felt thankful to the Author of 
all Good. 

28th. — Traveled fifteen miles to Black Creek, where 
we had a good meeting, and the same day went to Buffalo, 
and held one in a large hall. Our friend, T. Foulke, 
joined in the appointment. We both had satisfactory 
service in the ministry. He afterwards went with me to 
see the Indians on the Cattaraugus Reservation. We went 
by rail to Angola, thence in a buggy, eight miles, to the 
house of Ashur Wright. He and his wife treated us very 
hospitably, and we found them intelligent and agreeable. 
We visited two Indian families, but found only the women 
and children at home, the husbands being in the fields at 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 247 

work. Many of them have farms pretty well cultivated 
comfortable houses, and other evidences of civilization. 
We saw three schools. One of them was taught by an 
Indian girl named Harriet Two-Guns; another, more 
advanced, by an interesting white woman named Clark. 
The Orphan Asylum interested us very much. It is a well- 
arranged and well-kept institution, in which a hundred 
orphans and destitute Indian children are boarded, clothed 
and educated at an expense of about one hundred dollars 
each. We witnessed some of the exercises in the school, 
which were very interesting. The institution is now in 
want of funds, the Legislature of New York having this 
year appropriated only fifty dollars for each scholar, but the 
state has extended its public school system over the reserva- 
tion, and a number of schools are provided for the Indian 
population. This state has, I believe, acted with more 
liberality to the Indians than any other. 

Sixth month, 30th. — We attended the Quarterly Meet- 
ing held at East Hamburg, and after visiting a number 
of meetings in western New York (in some of which my 
friend, John J. Cornell, labored with me), we came to Ma- 
cedon, where I found openness for religious service. I 
began by quoting the text, " We look for a better country 
that is an Heavenly.' ' Although we have cause to be 
thankful for the temporal blessings we enjoy here, in a 
world admirably adapted to supply our natural wants and 
to develop our intellectual faculties, we must remember this 
is not our permanent home, but only our temporary abode 
in this state of probation. 

The beneficent Author of our being, who has so well 
provided for the sustenance of our bodies, requires, on 
our part, labor to appropriate and enjoy His gifts; and so 
in the spiritual relation He has provided for the sustenance 



248 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

of our souls by the Word of Life, or Seed of the King- 
dom sown in the heart, which is His best of gifts, but its 
growth depends upon our watchfulness, obedience and reli- 
ance upon Him. We must ask if we would receive ; we 
must knock to have the Heavenly treasury opened to us ; 
we must labor, not for the bread which perisheth, but for 
that which endureth unto everlasting life. 

8th. — Attended the stated meeting at South Farming- 
ton. It is usually very small, but notice being given, 
many attended not in membership with us, and I found 
considerable openness for religious communication, which 
afforded the reward of peace. 

9th. — Attended the usual meeting at Farmington, in 
the house where the Yearly Meeting is held every other 
year. The house is very large, and the small congrega- 
tion being scattered over it, had rather a discouraging 
effect upon my mind. After a long interval of silence, I 
felt called to deliver a brief communication, which I be- 
lieve was acceptable and, I trust, helpful to some. 

In the afternoon of the same day, I went to Canandaigua 
and took the cars to Elmira, where I had a few hours* rest, 
and on the following afternoon arrived in Baltimore. 
Leaving that city next morning, I reached home on the 
nth of Seventh month, and had the satisfaction to find 
my wife and children well. 

In this journey I have been absent from home seventy- 
two days, have travelled two thousand one hundred miles, 
and attended eighty-four meetings, of which fifty-eight 
were for Divine worship and twenty-six for discipline. A 
large proportion have been attended with the evidence of 
Divine Life, some of them eminently favored, and I feel 
that I have great cause to be thankful to the Good Shep- 
herd, who " putteth forth His own sheep and goeth before 
them." 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 249 

In many places I fear luke-warmness prevails, and 
that some meetings are on the decline, but there are others 
where there has been some revival of interest, and an in- 
creased attendance within a few years past. May the 
Author of all Good cause His blessing to attend the work 
and call many more to partake of his bountiful table. 






CHAPTER XX. 

1869, 

Reflections upon his sixty-ninth birth-day — Meets the Committee on 
Indian Concerns, in Baltimore — A proposition before them from 
General Grant, that they should take charge of some of the West- 
ern Indians — They accept the charge — Part of the Indian commit- 
tee wait on the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of In- 
dian Affairs — Meets the Indian committee in Baltimore, where his 
name is proposed for Superintendent of Indian Affairs — Accepts the 
appointment — Makes preparations for a long absence from home. 

1869, First month, 18th. — It is just one week since I 
entered my sixty-ninth year. The ebbing tide of life 
admonishes me that I am drawing near to the shore of 
eternity, and I earnestly pray that the Almighty arm, 
which has hitherto been my support and has helped me in 
many a trying hour, may still be with me to the end. I 
acknowledge, Oh, Heavenly Father ! that I am unworthy 
of Thy many favors. I have been a transgressor of Thy 
law written in my heart ; and although I have, through 
Thy mercy for many years past, endeavored to walk before 
Thee in humility and obedience, yet I feel that I am very 
deficient in watchfulness, in fervency of spirit, and in de- 
votion of heart. Be pleased, therefore, Oh, Most High ! 



250 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney^ 

to draw me nearer to Thyself, and through Thy grace to 
bring me more into conformity with Thy beloved Son, 
Jesus Christ, "the way, the truth and the life." May I 
be more fully ingrafted into him, the true vine, and par- 
take of that nourishment which is supplied through him to 
all the living branches. I believe Thou hast called me to 
labor in Thy Church, and I thank Thee that Thou hast in 
many precious seasons been w T ith me, to enlighten my 
mind and warm my heart with Thy love. May I never 
presume to take credit to myself for Thy gifts, or seek to 
adorn myself with Thy jewels. If any good shall accrue 
from my labors, to Thee alone be the praise. 

1869, Third month, 15th. — On the 13th inst. I returned 
from Baltimore, whither I had gone to meet the Commit- 
tee on Indian Concerns of our Yearly Meeting. Several 
Friends from New York, Philadelphia and Ohio, delegated 
by the representative committees of those Yearly Meetings, 
were also in attendance. 

We met on the 6th inst. to consider a proposition sent 
us by President Grant, before his inauguration, in relation 
to the Western Indians. It was conveyed by a letter from 
E. S. Parker (an Indian), who was one of General Grant's 
staff, viz. : 

" General Grant, the President-elect, desirous of inaugu- 
rating some policy to protect the Indians in their just rights, 
and enforce integrity in the administration of their affairs, 
as well as to improve their general condition, and appre- 
ciating fully the friendship and interest which your Society 
has ever maintained in their behalf, directs me to request 
that you will send to him a list of names, members of your 
Society, whom your Society will endorse as suitable per- 
sons for Indian agents." 

This letter, addressed to the secretary of our committee, 
Benjamin Hallowell, was read and considered. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 251 

It was unanimously concluded, that there is in the duties 
of an Indian agent nothing incompatible with the princi- 
ples of Friends, and our secretary was directed to issue a 
circular letter to the clerks of the representative commit- 
tees of the five Yearly Meetings in correspondence with 
us, and also to each member of our representative com- 
mittee, giving to Friends the necessary information, and 
suggesting that the names of suitable Friends who may 
offer their services should be forwarded to our committee, 
which is to meet on the 16th of next month. The repre- 
sentative committee of our Yearly Meeting is also to meet 
the 17th of next month, and the names offered within our 
Yearly Meeting are to be submitted for its approval. 

Being in Baltimore at the time of the Quarterly Meet- 
ing, I was at its sittings and the meetings for worship, 
which were well attended and satisfactory. My dear 
friend, William Dorsey, from Philadelphia, was there, and 
we took sweet counsel together, being closely united in 
Christian fellowship. 

On Sixth-day, the 12th inst., I met some members of 
our Committee on Indian Concerns, in Washington, and 
waited upon the Secretary of the Interior and the Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs. We also called on E. S. 
Parker, and informed him of our action on his letter, which 
he promised to communicate to the President without delay. 
I trust the way is about to open for us to take some steps 
in the great work of civilizing the Western Indians, and 
I earnestly pray that we may be instrumental in the Divine 
hand to bring them to the knowledge of the Gospel of 
Christ, the power of God unto salvation. 

On the 17th of the Fourth month, 1869, a convention 
of Friends, composed of the Committee on Indian Con- 
cerns and of the representative committee of Baltimore 



252 Memoirs of Samuel M. Jaunty. 

Yearly Meeting, and delegates from the representative 
committees of New York and Philadelphia, convened in 
Baltimore. The chief business of the convention was to 
determine who should be recommended by the Society as 
superintendent and agents of the government in the In- 
dian service, in accordance with the invitation of Presi- 
dent Grant. My dear brother, Asa, who was in attend- 
ance, had some weeks before felt constrained, by a sense 
of duty, to offer his services as Indian agent. It was a 
great trial to himself and family, and a source of regret 
to his neighbors, that he should make this great sacrifice, 
for there is no one within my knowledge more generally 
beloved. 

Before the convention met, I was called on by Benja- 
min Hallowell and Samuel Townsend to express their own 
desire and that of other Friends, for me to accept the sta- 
tion of Superintendent. I was much surprised, and en- 
deavored to excuse myself on the ground that I had been 
called to the Gospel ministry, and it required great care 
and a clear sense of duty to leave my present field of labor. 

The Friends urged with earnestness the importance of 
the mission to which we are called in the Indian country, 
and said they knew of no other Friend than myself on 
whom they could all agree. They desired me to take the 
matter into consideration, which I agreed to do. 

I spent almost a sleepless night under deep exercise of 
mind, and finally came to the conclusion that I would sub- 
mit to the judgment of friends, provided my wife would 
give her consent. I have always thought that members 
of the Church of Christ, when called by the body with 
unanimity into any service, should be willing to make 
any sacrifice that may be required, if they find the Spirit 
of Truth in their own hearts concurring. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 253 

Believing, in this case, that it was my duty to accept 
the appointment (though sorely against my inclination), I 
requested my brother to return, without delay, to Virginia, 
and ask the consent of my wife. He very kindly and 
promptly performed the service, and brought word that she 
was resigned to the unexpected sacrifice required of her. 
I consented to my name being brought forward as Super- 
intendent, and there was a unanimous expression of satis- 
faction on the part of Friends present. 

My brother Asa was nominated also with unanimity as 
one of the agents, and other Friends from our Yearly Meet- 
ing and that of Philadelphia were also nominated. Some 
days after the convention, I went to Washington with the 
Friends who were appointed a committee to wait on the 
President of the United States and the Secretary of the 
Interior and present to them the names of the persons 
selected.* 

During the interval of about a month from the time my 
name was presented to the President until I started to the 
scene of my future labors, my time was closely occupied 
in arranging my affairs for a long absence from home. 



■^An account of the interview is found in Benjamin Hallowell's 
Memorandum of some of the Proceedings of Friends of Baltimore 
Yearly Meeting in Relation to Western Indians, printed 1869, page 16. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

i869- , 7i. 

Arrives in Omaha — Names of Agents — Meets with a cordial welcome 
— Holds a Public Meeting — Visits the Winnebago and Omaha 
Agencies — The hardships the Winnebagoes had met with from the 
Government — Writes a petition to the Government for the reim- 
bursement of a large sum of money — Congress refunds it — The first 
Council — The allotment of land in severalty discussed and agreed 
to — Addresses them on Religion and Morality — Goes to the Omaha 
Agency, where the same subjects are discussed in Council with the 
Chiefs. 

I regret that I cannot give a full account of my experi- 
ence as Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Nebraska, but 
my time was so much occupied with the duties of the 
office, and my mind often so much exercised and burdened 
with cares that I kept no journal and made few memoran- 
dums. 

The office of the Superintendency was at Omaha, where 
I arrived on the 26th of the Fifth month, 1869, accompa- 
nied by Thomas J. Saunders, who had been engaged as my 
chief clerk. 

We had for fellow travelers my brother, Asa M. Janney, 
Agent of the Santee Sioux, accompanied by his wife and 
two daughters, Doctor Edward Painter, Agent of the 
Omahas, and his wife, and Albert Green, Agent of the 
Otoes. The other Agents, Jacob M. Troth, Agent of the 
Pawnees, Howard White, of the Winnebagoes, and Thomas 
Lightfoot, of the Iowas, Sacs and Foxes, arrived at their 
several posts in a short time after we reached Omaha. 

(254) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 255 

I left my family at home, they intending to follow as 
soon as I could make arrangements for their accommoda- 
tion. 

We found in the City of Omaha a cordial welcome, and 
were assured that the sympathy of the most influential citi- 
zens would be with us, wishing us success in our arduous 
undertaking. 

It was said that when the announcement was first made 
of President Grant's design to employ Friends as Superin- 
tendents and Agents, much indignation was expressed by 
a few persons interested in the furnishing of Indian sup- 
plies. This feeling, however, was not expressed to us, and 
I suppose had subsided. 

Having permission from our Monthly Meeting to ap- 
point meetings for Divine worship, I held one in a public 
hall soon after my arrival, two of our Agents being present, 
whose sympathy was grateful. It was attended by between one 
and two hundred persons, and, towards the close, was solemn 
and impressive. There being in the city some persons 
formerly connected with our religious Society, or educated 
among Friends, I invited such to stop at the rise of the 
meeting, and likewise others who inclined to do so. 

A dozen or more accepted the invitation, and we had a 
pleasant conference. 

In the early part of the Sixth month, accompanied by 
the late Superintendent, H. B. Denham, I visited the Win- 
nebago and Omaha Agencies. I found the moral and 
physical condition of the Winnebagoes far from satisfac- 
tory. Diseases of a scrofulous nature were prevalent 
among them, arising probably from their uncleanly mode 
of living in ill-ventilated lodges. Some of them indulged, 
when opportunity offered, in intemperate drinking; gamb- 
ling was frequent, and other vices prevailed to some extent. 



25 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

The disastrous circumstances in which these Indians were 
placed for some years after their removal from Minnesota, 
made it necessary for the Government to supply them with 
subsistence, and at the time of my first visit five thousand 
pounds each of beef and flour were issued to them every 
week. They numbered at that time one thousand three 
hundred and forty-three souls, having been rapidly decreas- 
ing for several years. They have abandoned the buffalo 
hunt, and have in the United States Treasury a large fund, 
the interest of which is paid them in food, clothing and 
money. 

The Indians of the Winnebago tribe had great cause to 
complain of the treatment they had received. In the year 
1833 they were located in Wisconsin, where they had lived 
for some generations, but their lands being coveted by 
white settlers, they were forced to remove to Turkey Creek, 
about fifty miles west of Prairie du Chien. Some time 
subsequently, the same cause operating, they were removed 
to Minnesota, and afterwards a third removal was forced 
upon them to another part of the same State. There they 
remained until 1863, on a beautiful and fertile reservation, 
occupying good farms and houses. They were the firm 
friends of the Whites, and when the Sioux rose suddenly 
and massacred a large number of the citizens of Minnesota, 
spreading terror throughout the State, the Winnebagoes 
remained quiet and peaceable, as they had always been. 

Notwithstanding their friendly and peaceable conduct, 
their removal from the State was demanded, and, with 
only a few days' notice, they were required to quit their 
homes, leaving behind them most of their stock, theh\ im- 
plements of agriculture and their growing crops. They 
were put on board steamboats crowded to excess and short 
of provisions. Thus they were transported to Crow Creek, 



Memoirs of Samuel M, Janney. 257 

a station in the Territory of Dakota. It is described in 
one of the official reports as " A sandy beach, on the west 
side of the Missouri River, in a country remarkable only 
for the rigors of its winter climate and the sterility of its 
soil." After enduring sufferings too terrible to relate, and 
the loss of several hundreds of their tribe by starvation and 
freezing, they abandoned the inhospitable station to which 
they had been exiled, and passing down the river in canoes, 
landed near their present place of residence in Nebraska. 

Impoverished and disheartened by their inhuman treat- 
ment, they were for some time longer subjected to severe 
privations, until at length the Omaha Indians consented 
to sell them a part of their ample reservation, where they 
are now located. Great as was the injury inflicted upon 
them by their removal, it was still further aggravated by 
charging them with the cost of their transportation and 
subsistence, amounting to upwards of two hundred and 
thirty-two thousand dollars. This sum was taken out of 
their tribal funds, derived chiefly from the sale of their 
lands in Minnesota. I wrote for them a petition to the 
Government for its reimbursement, which was signed by 
their chiefs and forwarded to Washington. 

The Commissioner of Indian Affairs and the Secretary 
of the Interior earnestly advocated their request, and an 
Act of Congress was obtained to refund the amount and 
invest it for the benefit of the tribe. 

In the first council I held with the Winnebagoes, the 
allotment in severalty of a portion of their lands was a 
subject of discussion. This important measure had been 
provided for by an Act of Congress passed in the year 
1863, but had been delayed by the refusal of the Indians 
to give their consent, because they thought that eighty 
acres to each head of a family would not be adequate to 

17 



258 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

their wants. The matter being fully explained to them, 
and earnestly recommended, they freely gave their consent, 
and expressed their desire that it should take place at an 
early day. 

The survey was soon after commenced and the allotment 
made. 

In my address to the Winnebagoes assembled in council, 
they were told of the Great Spirit who created the world 
and of His Son Jesus Christ, who came to teach the way 
of Truth. They were exhorted to abstain from vicious 
habits and to live virtuously ; to obey the teacher placed 
in every heart by the Good Spirit ; to treat their wives 
kindly, and not lay heavy burdens on them ; to bring up 
their children in industry and to send them to school ; 
and finally, they were advised to prepare themselves and 
their children for adopting the habits of the white man 
and becoming citizens. 

From the Winnebago we went to the Omaha Agency, 
a distance of about ten miles southward. The members 
of this tribe are more provident and self-reliant than the 
Winnebagoes. They seldom require any subsistence to be 
furnished them by the Government, their crops of corn 
and vegetables and the proceeds of their buffalo hunts 
being sufficient, with the addition of a small cash annuity 
secured to them by treaty stipulation. 

In a council held by me, in conjunction with Agent 
Painter, at the Omaha Agency, Sixth month, 3rd, 1869, 
the chiefs and head men, with many others of the tribe, 
being present, I addressed them, through an interpreter, 
nearly as follows : 

"Brothers: Your Great Father, the President of the 
United States, having commissioned me to have the care 
of my red brethren in the State of Nebraska, I have come 



Memoirs of Samuel M, Janney. 259 

to see you and to say that I wish to do you all the good I 
can. I belong to the Society of Friends, or Quakers, who 
have always been friends of the Indians. It is now nearly 
two hundred years since our fathers met in council with 
the tribes of red men who lived on the banks of the Sus- 
quehanna and the Delaware, and made a treaty of friend- 
ship which has never been broken. I suppose some of you 
have heard of William Penn, whom the Indians of that 
day called the good Onas. I am one of the children de- 
scended from a friend and companion of that great and 
good man, and I bear the same love to the Indians that he 
did. Our people, the Friends, or Quakers, have always 
kept up a friendly intercourse with the Indians, and we 
have had some of the tribes under our care. Many years 
ago our Society sent teachers, farmers and mechanics to 
reside among the Indians on the waters of the Scioto anil 
Wabash, and when the Indians were removed from Ohio, 
some of the Friends followed them to Kansas, where they 
are still doing all they can to protect and improve them. 

"We have also had Friends residing among the Indians in 
the State of New York, and have frequently visited them. 
Last summer I paid a visit to the Senecas on their reserva- 
tion at Cattaraugus, and found them in a prosperous con- 
dition. Many of them had good houses and good farms. 
They had schools for the education of their children, and 
were increasing in numbers. 

" Brothers, I do not come here to make you many prom- 
ises; I wish to make few promises and always to keep them. 
I know that in times past you have often been wronged by 
white men, but I feel assured that your Great Father at 
Washington intends to protect you in your rights, and to 
do you all the good in his power. He has appointed Gen- 
eral E. S. Parker, an Indian chief from the State of New 



260 Memoirs of Samuel M. Jamiey. 

York, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and he has sent 
your friends out here to be superintendents and agents. 

" One of the most important subjects for you to con- 
sider is the allotment of your lands, provided for by a 
treaty you made with the Government in the year 1865. 
In that treaty it is stipulated that there shall be assigned 
to each head of a family one hundred and sixty acres of 
land, and to each male person eighteen years of age and 
upwards, without a family, forty acres of land, to include 
in every case, as far as practicable, a reasonable propor- 
tion of timber. It was the intention of the government 
that these lands should be conveyed to each family by 
patent in such a manner that they could not be taken from 
you. I am informed that you have objected to this allot- 
ment, because it makes no allowance for your young chil- 
dren, and for this reason it has been delayed. Now I wish 
you to consider that such a division of a part of your 
lands will not impair your title to the remainder of the 
reservation ; you will still hold it as you do now. It will, 
on the contrary, help to secure your title by giving you a 
firmer hold upon that part to be allotted to your families. 
I fear the time will come when white men will covet your 
beautiful and productive reservation, and try to wrest it 
from you. You should build on it, fence it and break it 
up this summer, so that it may be ready for planting next 
spring. 

Answer of Fire Chief. — " Grandfather* : When we made 
the first treaty (that of 1854), all of the tribe were present. 
They all agreed to the terms of that treaty, and joined 
in a great war whoop ; but as we cannot go by the old 
treaty, we will accept our allotments under the new one." 



* The Indians always addressed the Superintendent as Grandfather, 
and their Agent as Father. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 261 

Yellow Smoke (G4/^).— "Grandfather and Father: It 
is good for you to meet with us, and to tell us about this 
business. We would be glad if all the great people were 
here to listen to what has been said. We are very glad 
that our Grandfather and Father are here. We know that 
God made us all. I am glad you are all here while I tell 
you what is in me. In regard to the allotment, it is right 
that our children should have the same chance as ourselves. 
We are not against the wishes of our Grandfather and our 
Father, but we want you to understand our ways. When 
any one has property he stands his ground and does the 
best he can. We want to do so too. Grandfather, I am 
glad to hear the words you have spoken; we want our 
children to have land as well as money. Our Grandfather 
has told us that our land belonged to us. We remember 
this a long time. When I hear this I am glad, and speak 
as loud as I can. We hear a great deal about you, that 
you are good people, and that you will do the best you can 
for us. It is best to do business right when we come to 
talk before you. We want to make all things satisfactory. ' ' 

Samuel M. Janney. — ." I desire to say, we do not assure 
you that the land will be given to your children as it is 
now given to you under the treaty of 1865, but I say 
that you will have plenty of land left after your farms are 
set apart to you. I only say, we will do the best we can 
for you. M 

Standing Hawk (Chief). — "Grandfather and Father: 
We agree to what you advise us to do. We agree to take 
the land allotted to us under the treaty of 1865. Grand- 
father and Father, when we first heard your good peo- 
ple were coming amongst us, we were glad, and we are 
glad to see you here to-day. We have heard so much 
about you that we were anxious to see you, and are very 



262 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

glad to hear what you have said to us. When you said 
the ground was good, we knew that was true. We raised 
more than we could use, and have some to sell." 

E. Painter (Agent). — " My Friends and Red Brethren : 
It makes my heart glad to meet my brothers of the Omaha 
tribe in council to-day. What your new Grandfather has 
said to you is true. I have known him a long time. 
He will try to have justice done to you. You say that 
you are agreed to have your lands allotted to you in sever- 
alty according to the terms of the treaty of 1865. If 
this is done, your farms will have to be laid out by a sur- 
veyor, and corner-stones, or boundaries, be set, so that 
each of you will know where his own land comes to. To 
do this, a surveyor will have to be employed, and this sur- 
veyor must be paid. You have a large fund in the hands 
of the Government, that is left of the money paid by the 
Winnebagoes for the land you sold them. Are you will- 
ing to have the money taken out of this fund to pay for 
surveying your farms ? We think it will cost about five 
hundred dollars, to pay the surveyor.* ' 

Louis Sanson ci (Interpreter). — "They say they are all 
agreed to have the surveyor employed and paid out of 
the fund, as you advise/ ' 

Here a petition to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
was written, asking for an appropriation of five hundred 
dollars to pay for surveying, which was signed by the nine 
chiefs and witnessed by the Agent and United States In- 
terpreter. The signing by the Indians was done, as usual, 
by touching the top of the pen while a cross was made 
and the name of the signer written by a clerk. 

The Indians were then asked by the Superintendent 
whether they wanted any more schools. They had for 
some years been appropriating out of their tribal funds 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 263 

three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars per annum 
to support a. mission school under the control of the Pres- 
byterians, but only a part of the tribe was benefited by it, 
and the late Superintendent had recommended that the 
contract with the Board of Missions should be annulled, 
and the same sum devoted to several schools. 

The Indians were now informed that three school houses 
could be built for about two thousand dollars, and the bal- 
ance, one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, might 
be used to employ teachers the first year. After the first 
year, it was supposed that three thousand dollars a year 
would be sufficient to support three schools. 

The chiefs took the proposition into consideration, and 
unitedly agreed to petition the Commissioner of Indian 
Affairs to annul the contract with the Mission Board, and 
apply the funds to the support of these schools. 

Their petition was granted by the Commissioner, and 
carried into effect ; three schools were supported from the 
tribal fund, one of them was kept at the Mission school- 
house and taught by a member of the Mission family. 

In addition to the business matters discussed with the 
Omahas in this council, I spoke to them in relation to 
their moral improvement and religious duties. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

1870. 

Some account of the Pawnee Tribe — They are suspected of the mur- 
der of a white man — The Superintendent holds a council with the 
chiefs on the subject — Four Indians are delivered up and taken to 
Omaha — Their trial— After twenty-two months' imprisonment they 
are admitted to bail — The chiefs and Superintendent and Agent 
become responsible for them — Superintendent visits some of the 
Agencies with a deputation of Friends — Congress appropriates 
$30,000 for Indian civilization — Letter to a convention of Friends 
held in Philadelphia — Letter to Benjamin Hallowell — Letter to 
Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 

The largest tribe of Indians in the Northern Superin- 
tendency was that of the Pawnees, numbering, in 1869, 
about two thousand four hundred, and divided into four 
bands, viz.: Chow-ees, Kit-ka-has, Pe-ta-how-e-rat and Ske- 
dees. 

The Skedees were formerly an independent tribe, but 
being conquered by the Pawnees, were incorporated with 
them, and allowed the same privileges as other members 
of the tribe. Their language was somewhat different, but 
by long intercourse, had become assimilated to the Paw- 
nees. In the year 1830, it is said, they numbered twelve 
thousand, and at that time they made a treaty with 
the United States Government, by which they agreed to 
remove their villages to the north side of the Platte River, 
leaving the south side clear, and ceding the right of way 
to emigrants. In consideration of these concessions they 
were to receive an annuity and to have farmers, smiths and 
teachers sent to instruct them. 

(264) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 265 

They settled at Plum Creek, a branch of the Loup Fork, 
and efforts were made to teach them letters and farming 
until 1846, when all the whites were driven out Tdv the 
Sioux. Two years later the Pawnees abandoned the ground 
and returned to the south of the Platte, where they joined 
a remnant of the tribe, who had always remained in their 
village. 

In 1857 they made another treaty with the United 
States Government, and soon after removed to the north 
of the Platte, where they settled on a large reservation of 
fertile land, about one hundred and twenty miles west of 
Omaha City. 

My first visit to the Pawnees was made under very 
unpleasant circumstances. About three weeks before I 
entered on the duties of my office, a white man was mur- 
dered on an island in the Platte River, and it was gener- 
ally believed that the murderers were members of the 
Pawnee Tribe. Soon after being informed of it, I went 
to the Pawnee Agency, and on the 30th of the Sixth 
month, 1869, held a council with the chiefs and head men 
of the tribe, in which the late Agent, C. H. Whaley, acted 
as secretary. My opening address to the Indians was 
reported as follows : 

" I have been commissioned by your Great Father at 
Washington, the President of the United States, to pro- 
mote your welfare, to protect you in your legal rights, and 
to require you to respect the rights of each other and of 
the white people around you. I have lately received in- 
structions from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at 
Washington, part of which I will now read to you. He 
says : 

" ' Care should be taken to inform Indians claiming to 
be friendly, that they must not violate the laws of the 



266 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

United States by acts of murder, theft or robbery, that 
for such crimes the tribe will be held responsible, and 
their annuities will be withheld until the offenders are 
delivered up.' 

"It is my painful duty to inform you that" Edward Mc- 
Murty was murdered on the 8th of last month, and there 
is much evidence to show that it was done by one or more 
members of the Chow-ee Band of Pawnees. This wicked 
deed was committed on an island in the North Platte 
River, in the north-east part of Polk County, Nebraska. 
The body of the murdered man has been found with an 
arrow sticking in it, and a coroner's jury has given a ver- 
dict that Edward McMurty was, on the 8th of May last, 
willfully and maliciously murdered by members of the 
Chow-ee Band of Pawnee Indians. 

" George D. Grant, one of the witnesses who gave testi- 
mony in the case, is here to repeat his testimony in your 
hearing, in order that you may fully comprehend the 
grounds on which the verdict is founded. 

"I am not willing that the imputation of this crime 
should rest upon the Pawnee Indians without a full and 
thorough examination. You may, perhaps, know who com- 
mitted the wicked deed. If you know, it is your duty to 
inform us, and it is to the interest of your tribe to have 
the offender punished. 

" If you will deliver up the man or men whom you sup- 
pose to be guilty, he or they will be tried before a court of 
the United States, and will be allowed counsel to plead 
for them in order that strict justice may be done. If they 
are found to be guilty, they will have to suffer the penalty 
provided by law ; but if their guilt cannot be proved, they 
will be acquitted by the court.' ' 

The verdict of the coroner's jury was then read and 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 267 

interpreted in Pawnee, and George D. Grant gave his testi- 
mony, which was also interpreted. 

Peet-ah-La Shar, the head chief, rose and said : "I lost 
my friends by the whites last winter. I don't grieve over 
it much, and did not intend to speak about it to-day. We 
are afraid, when we go on the hunt, of being killed by 
white men. Our men were killed last winter when they 
had done nothing wrong. We also lost a large number of 
horses ; the white men down in Kansas have them. We 
thought to talk with our Great Father about it, and that 
he would see us righted. We do not allow our men to 
kill white men. We send our warriors out with white men 
to fight the Sioux. We have nothing to eat now. Grass- 
hoppers destroyed our corn last year. We hope you will 
take care of us." 

Superintendent. — "This is a painful business to me, but 
it is my duty to do it. If it is not settled in some way, 
there will be continual trouble. I think it is just as wrong 
for white men to kill Indians as for Indians to kill white 
men. I am willing to protect you in your rights, but you 
must respect the laws ; you must not kill white men nor 
steal their horses. The best thing for you is to stay on 
your reservation. As soon as this business is settled, I 
intend to ask your Great Father in Washington to give you 
something to eat." 

Mad Bull.— "It was some of my relations that were 
killed in Kansas last winter. The news has gone to our 
Great Father long ago, but we hear nothing of it." 

Superintendent. — The Indians that were killed in Kansas 
were beyond my jurisdiction. I have no power or control 
down there. If you wish to have the men in Kansas pun- 
ished who wronged you, the best way is to deliver up the 
men who killed McMurty." 



268 Mem oirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Ter-re-Kah-wah. — "Some of my relations were killed 
by white men. Twelve of my relations were killed in 
Kansas. We could do nothing about it. If it had been 
done by Indians, we should have had our revenge ; but as 
it was by white men, we did nothing in revenge, and do 
not desire it. About the man killed I have nothing to 
say ; I know nothing of it. We are willing to say nothing 
about the men we have lost by whites if you will say no 
more about the white man that has been killed/ ' 

Superintendent. — "You have been speaking about men 
killed in Kansas. I have said I have no jurisdiction there. 
It is not the way of the white man when his friend is killed 
to go out and kill the first man he meets. We have laws, 
and the guilty have to be punished. I hear that your men 
have been in the habit of going to Kansas after horses. 
When you go and take their property, they retaliate upon 
you. You must give up the practice. I will send an 
account of what you say here to Washington. It is your 
duty to find out who murdered McMurty, and deliver up 
the criminal. Under my instructions, I cannot deliver 
the goods until a greater effort has been made to deliver 
up the guilty party. I have concluded to stay till to-mor- 
row morning, and if you will find the men that did the 
murder, I will start wagons for goods, and have some of 
them here to-morrow night. If the criminals are not 
delivered up to-morrow morning, I shall go to Omaha and 
write to Washington for further instructions." 

The council being adjourned, some of the members 
met me next morning, when Peet-ah-La-Shar, the head 
chief, reported as follows : 

"The general talk in the tribe is, that the persons 
engaged in the murder of McMurty are four in number, 
and all are members of the Pe-ta-how-e-rat Band of 



Memoirs of Samite I M. Janney. 269 

Pawnee Indians. These four persons are all out with 
Major North in the United States service as Pawnee 
scouts.' ' 

The result of my conference with the chiefs and head 
men was, that they agreed to surrender those on whom 
suspicion rested. The four delivered up and taken to 
Omaha for trial were named Yellow Sun, Little Wolf, 
Horse Driver and Blue Hawk. They were kept in prison 
until the 4th of Eleventh month, when they were brought 
before the United States District Court, Judge Dundy pre- 
siding. 

The prosecution was conducted by S. A. Strickland, 
United States Attorney, and the defence by C. S. Chase, 
whom I had employed under instructions from the Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs. 

It was found exceedingly difficult to obtain an unpreju- 
diced jury. Out of thirty jurors called, fifteen were ex- 
cused on the ground of their enmity towards Indians. 
The trial excited deep interest, being the first of the kind 
that had taken place at Omaha. The jury brought in a 
verdict, guilty of murder, in which the four prisoners were 
all implicated ; and the counsel for the defence moved an 
arrest of judgment on the ground that the United States 
Court had no jurisdiction in the case, because the murder 
was not committed on the reservation, but on territory 
subject to the laws and jurisdiction of Nebraska. The 
court being doubtful of its jurisdiction in this case, re- 
manded the prisoners to jail in Omaha, and postponed 
further proceedings to another time. 

In the Second month, 1870, the court met, and the case 
of the four Pawnee prisoners was again postponed until the 
Fifth month following. 

In my correspondence with the Commissioner of Indian 



270 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

Affairs, I recommended, in case the death penalty should 
be pronounced against these Indians, that Yellow Sun's 
sentence should be commuted to imprisonment in a peni- 
tentiary for life, and that Little Wolf and Horse Driver be 
imprisoned in the same for one year. I believed that Blue 
Hawk was innocent, and recommended his pardon. The 
evidence against Little Wolf and Horse Driver was not 
conclusive, it only proved that they were on the island 
at the time of the murder. Yellow Sun was considered 
guilty both by whites and Indians, and during his impris- 
onment the other three Indians in the same cell would have 
no intercourse with him. He sat alone in silence, and had 
to eat alone. 

At a subsequent term of the United States Court, Judges 
Dillon and Dundy decided that they had no jurisdiction 
in the case, and the four Pawnees were surrendered to the 
State authorities. 

They were indicted by a grand jury in Butler County, 
and the case transferred, by a change of venue, to Lan- 
caster County, to be tried at Lincoln, the capital of the 
State. I attended the court there several times, with our 
counsel and witnesses always ready, but the prosecuting 
attorney was never ready. 

On the 5th of Sixth month, 1871, after the Indians had 
been prisoners about twenty-two months, most of the time in 
Omaha, our counsel presented a petition on their behalf, 
praying for their discharge. By a writ of habeas corpus, 
they were brought before Judge Lake, at Omaha, and he 
decided to admit them to bail, if the chiefs would become 
responsible for their appearance at the next term of the 
court, to be held in the fall. He required the four chiefs 
to enter bail in the penalty of five thousand dollars, and 
Agent Troth and myself jointly in the penalty of one 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Jamzey. 271 

thousand dollars. The chiefs readily accepted the terms, 
pledging their annuity money to that amount, and J. M. 
Troth and I agreed to become sureties on the bond, 
although we thought it ought not to have been required of 
us. They were then released from jail, and went home 
with their agent rejoicing in their freedom. After some 
further delays, the prosecution was abandoned and the 
sureties released from their bonds. 

The Indians bore their long imprisonment with patience, 
and evinced gratitude to visitors who made small contri- 
butions to promote their comfort. It was my practice, 
while at home in Omaha, to visit the prison every First- 
day afternoon ; at first to see the Indians, and afterwards 
to hold religious meetings within the audience of the other 
prisoners. 

In the summer of 1869, a deputation of Friends visited 
the Indian Agencies in the Northern Superintendency. 
Benjamin Hallowell represented the Indian Committee of 
Baltimore Yearly Meeting ; Franklin Haines, that of New 
York ; and Philadelphia Friends were represented by John 
H. Dudley, of New Jersey, and Joseph Powell and wife, 
from Pennsylvania. 

I accompanied them to all the agencies except one, 
which I had recently visited. I enjoyed their company 
and appreciated their suggestions in regard to the manage- 
ment of Indian affairs. 

In a memorial addressed to Congress, in the Third 
month, 1870, by a convention, representing six Yearly 
Meetings of Friends, they asked for an appropriation of 
one hundred and forty thousand dollars, to promote the 
civilization of the Indians, by supplying them with agri- 
cultural implements and live stock, to establish schools, 
and to pay teachers. An appropriation of thirty thousand 



272 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

dollars was granted, which I distributed among the several 
tribes in the ratio of their population. 

In the memorial, reference was made to the condition of 
the Indians in the Northern Superintendency, as seen by 
our visiting committee. ".These wards of the Govern- 
ment/ ' they say, "'were found in a very depressed and 
degraded condition, as a general thing, poor, hungry, idle 
from want of means and inducements to labor ; destitute of 
suitable clothing ; complaining of unfulfilled treaty stipula- 
tions ; living in lodges, with several families in a single apart- 
ment, thus excluding that healthful privacy which decency 
and virtue require ; the lodges dark, unventilated, often 
filthy, and as a consequence of this condition, sickness 
extensively abounding, especially among the children — 
scrofulous gatherings and ulcers, sore eyes, debility and 
consumption.' ' 

" To the Convention of Friends to be held at Philadelphia on Indian 
Concerns : 

"Omaha, Fourth month, 29th, 1870. 
rt Dear Friends : 

" Believing that some information concerning the condition and 
prospects of the Indians in the Northern Superintendency will be 
useful and interesting to the convention, I submit the following 
report : 

" At the Santee Agency the survey of the allotments of land in 
severalty is well advanced, and the Indians are eager to occupy their 
farms as soon as houses can be built. A new steam saw-mill has been 
put in operation, a large number of saw-logs are in readiness, and 
lumber is being rapidly prepared for building purposes. The Agent 
expects the Indians to do most of the work in erecting their own 
houses. He has contracted for machinery to build a flouring-mill on 
Bazille Creek, which affords a sufficiency of water power. He has 
seeded about one hundred acres with spring wheat, and intends to 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 273 

put in a corn crop on the Agency farm. The schools are flourishing, 
and the Indians manifest a disposition to help themselves by honest 
labor. The condition of the tribe is very encouraging. 

" At the Winnebago Agency about three hundred acres of prairie 
land were broken by Indian labor last summer to prepare for a crop 
this year. The Agent writes : ' We are getting along very nicely with 
our work, having finished sowing about four hundred acres of wheat 
several days ago ; it is now coming up and looking well. We are at 
this time plowing for corn and preparing to build fence.' The allot- 
ment of land in severalty is well advanced towards completion. The 
schools, according to the last information I received, were in a satis- 
factory condition. 

" From the Omaha Agency the Agent writes : ' Industry and thrift 
are now taking the place of idleness and improvidence. The men 
work well, and even the old chiefs now shoulder their axes and go into 
the timber to work with the rest.' The timber they have been cutting is 
for their own use, to be sawed into lumber for the building of their 
houses. The past winter was the first in which they have had the 
care of their own cattle. Though steadily worked, they are now in 
good condition, and not one has died, so far as the Agent has learned. 
Only one day school has yet been established, though many express 
a desire to go to school that cannot be accommodated. Funds are much 
needed for the support of more schools. 

'.' At the Pawnee Agency a disposition has been manifested recently 
by many of the men to engage in agricultural labor, which has hith- 
erto been performed almost exclusively by the squaws. The sum of four 
thousand dollars, deducted from their annuity last fall by direction of 
the chiefs, has, in accordance with their wishes, been applied this 
spring to the purchase of wagons, harness and plows. They have a very 
large number of ponies, which were of little use except when they 
went on the hunt ; some of these have been broken to work, and are 
now used for agricultural purposes. 

" A considerable area of land has been prepared for a wheat crop, 
and is probably sown by this time. These Indians generally raise a 
large supply of corn. The Manual Labor School is flourishing and 
now numbers seventy-five Indian boys and girls, who are boarded, 
clothed and taught the most useful branches of an English education. 
The boys are taught to work on the farm, and the girls instructed in 

18 



274 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

household work. The Agency farm is cultivated by the labor of the 
boys and of young men who have been educated in the school. 

" The Agent of the Otoes and Missourias writes : « The condition 
of the tribe is very promising, and I think its prospects are gradually 
growing better. A day school, under the care of an experienced 
teacher, is progressing satisfactorily, but its existence does not do 
away with the necessity of an Industrial School. ' 

There has been much sickness in the tribe, and about thirty children 
have died, mostly from measles. The practice of bleeding for the cure 
of most diseases is very common with the Indians, and often injurious. 
The funds sent by Friends for the supply of suitable food for the sick 
has been of great service, and in some instances medical aid has been 
supplied from the same source. All the children of the tribe have 
been clothed by the Society of Friends, and now present a very cred- 
itable appearance. They attend school with cheerfulness. 

" From the Great Nemaha Agency I returned yesterday. There 
has recently been much sickness among the Indians, chiefly from 
measles > but a skillful physician living within six miles of the reserva- 
tion, has attended them, and the deaths have been few. 

"The Iowa Tribe is evidently much improved since I first saw it, 
and many of the men who were formerly intemperate and idle, have 
reformed, and are now sober and orderly in their habits. The school, 
taught by Mary B. Lightfoot, is well attended, and the progress of her 
pupils encouraging. The supplies of clothing for the women and 
children, and suitable food for the sick, furnished by the Friends, have 
been faithfully appropriated and gratefully received. 

" It will be seen by the foregoing account of the several agencies, 
that we have no cause for discouragement. Some progress has already 
been made, and we trust that much more will be accomplished through 
patient and persevering effort, under the providential care and guid- 
ance of the Universal Father who called us to this interesting field of 
labor. 

" The Friends engaged in this work are harmoniously co-operating 
for the advancement of our red brethren in their moral and social 
condition, preparatory, as I hope, to their acceptance of the blessed 
truths of the Christian religion. I am fully assured that no teaching 
of religious truth will be of much avail without a pure and consistent 
example on the part of the Agents, employes and traders, who are 



Me7?ioirs of Samuel Af. Janney. 275 

entrusted by the United States Government with the responsible duty 
of watching over the Indians, supplying their wants and instructing 
them in the arts of civilized life. 

" With this view I have uniformly recommended to the Agents, that 
when changes are made in the employes and traders, a preference 
should be given to such members of our Society as feel a religious con- 
cern for the welfare of the Indians and can harmoniously co-operate 
with us. It is exceedingly desirable that men with families should 
be sent in preference to others, for the presence and good example of 
pious and refined women, who are willing to visit the Indians and in- 
struct them in their domestic duties, will be more effectual than any 
other means we can employ for their civilization. 

# # % # x *x * 

" Liberal contributions have been sent from nearly all the Yearly 
Meetings, and thousands of hearts have been gladdened by the well- 
timed charities of Friends. 

S. M. Janney, 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs? 1 

"Winnebago Agency, Neb., Sixth month, 4th, 1870. 
" B. Hallowell : 

"Dear Friend. — I am stopping here on my way back from the San- 
tee Agency, which I visited in company with our friends Joseph Mead 
and Benjamin Chase. During the last three weeks I have passed 
through much trouble and solicitude in the performance of my official 
duties. On the 10th of last month I received information that the 
Winnebago Indians were in a very dissatisfied condition, and that they 
wanted to see me. I started next morning, accompanied by my daugh- 
ter Cornelia, and arrived at the Agency on the 13th. In the mean- 
time, Agent White and wife had gone to Omaha to see me, and we 
missed each other on the way. They came back immediately, and we 
held a council on the 1 6th, in which the Indians brought forward their 
complaints. 

" One grievance was, that in the allotment of lands the timber land 
had been left out, to be used in common by the tribe, because it was 
at one end of the reservation, and the land too much broken to be fit 
for tillage. The same arrangement had been made by Agent Painter, 
and the Omahas were satisfied with it. 



276 Memoirs cf Samuel M. Janney. 

" The Winnebagoes insisted that their timber land, where many of 
them live and where some of the chiefs have houses, should be allotted, 
and my statement, that it was unfit for tillage and unhealthy to live 
on, made but little impression. They said, when God willed them to 
die, they would die anywhere. They acknowledged that Agent White 
was an honest man, but they found fault with him because he had not 
had houses built for them. I defended him, showing that he had not 
received money to build them with, and informed them that some of 
our Friends would be here in a few days, when I would see them 
again, and encouraged them to go to work for themselves. 

" The next day I returned to Omaha City, and found at our house 
Joseph Mead and Benjamin Chase, who had come as a committee to 
visit the Indians. I staid at home a day, and then took the Friends 
in my wagon and started back to the Agencies. We spent one day at 
the Omaha Agency, where we found things in a satisfactory condition. 
I was particularly pleased to see how large a quantity of timber the 
Indians had cut and hauled for building their houses. Their allot- 
ment of land having been ordered and completed before those of the 
other agencies, gave them an earlier start in the selection of their 
farms. 

" We held a meeting for worship at the Omaha Agency on First- 
day morning, the 22nd of Fifth month, and then went to the Winne- 
bago Agency, where we held one on the evening of the same day. 

"On Second-day we went to look at the timber land on the Winne- 
bago Reservation, and on Third-day, the 24th, we held a council with 
the tribe. The Indians had complained that they had not cattle to work 
with. I told them we had concluded to issue to them all the oxen, con- 
sisting of thirty-five pairs, all the cows and bulls, numbering one hun- 
dred and sixty-eight, and all the young cattle. These cattle had been 
bought for them by our predecessor in office and never issued, because, 
they said, the Indians would not take care of them. I found the cost 
of cutting hay to winter them, and paying the wages of three herders, 
amounted to twice as much as the yearly increase of the cattle was 
worth, and I thought it best for the Indians to have them in their care. 
This issue of the cattle was very satisfactory to the Indians, but they 
still insisted on the allotment of the timber land, and the objections ex- 
pressed by myself and the committee of Friends were unavailing. 
Finding them apparently unanimous, we agreed to grant their request 
on the following conditions : 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 277 

1st. The timber and fire-wood still to belong to the tribe, to be 
used in common. 

" 2nd. The timber land to be allotted to families, in lots of forty acres 
each, and forty acres more on the prairie to be allotted to each of the 
same families. 

" 3rd. No houses to be built for them in the timber, but those living 
there may be assisted in building houses on their prairie lots. 

''This plan has given general satisfaction, but we hope they will 
come out of the timber and live on the prairie before long. They 
found no further fault with Agent White, and the council ended well. 
The committee thought some person or persons had been secretly at 
work to render the Indians dissatisfied with the Agent. 

" In the evening, after the council adjourned, two citizens of Cum- 
mings County arrived at the Agency, who reported that a white set- 
tler, named Oscar P. Munson, had been murdered in Wayne County, 
just beyond the boundary of the reservation, and they suspected that 
the Winnebago Indians had done it. The body of the deceased was 
found near his plow ; the head was cut off and could not be found. 
The deed had been done on the Fifth-day preceding (Fifth month, 
9th,)and the body was not found until First-day. 

" We spent many hours on Fourth-day, the 25th, in the examina- 
tion of witnesses, in the presence of chiefs and other Indians, but 
could obtain no testimony sufficient to warrant the imprisonment of 
the five Indians suspected of the murder. 

u On Fifth-day morning, as we were about to start away, other 
testimony was offered, and we spent the forenoon of that day in exam- 
ining witnesses separately and apart from the other Indians. We con- 
cluded there was sufficient testimony to hold them and to deliver them 
up to the civil authority for further examination. I requested Agent 
White to put them in the log jail here and to set a guard over them, 
and wrote a letter to General Strickland, United States District Attor- 
ney at Omaha, for instructions to be sent to Agent White. 

" On Fifth-day afternoon, we started for the Santee Agency, and 
arrived there on Seventh-day afternoon. We found the family of my 
brother (Agent A. M. Janney), well, except himself, but he was able 
to ride with us over part of the reservation. The lumber for the flour- 
ing-mill and the miller's house has been sawed, and Indians are en- 
gaged in digging the foundation for the mill, quarrying stone, burning 
lime and hauling logs. They are doing well, and are contented. 



278 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

" We had a meeting for worship on First-day afternoon, attended 
by a very large number of Indians, in the new hospital building, 
which is not yet completed. It was a good meeting. Next day we 
held a council, which was satisfactory. 

" Third-day we left the Santee Agency, and reached the Winnebago 
on Fifth-day, the 2nd inst. We found that Agent White had gone to 
West Point, Cummings County, with the five Indian prisoners, who 
had been demanded by the sheriff. 

" Yesterday I held a council with the chiefs by themselves, and 
then another with the young men and other Indians who had of their 
own accord gotten up and signed a paper, requesting permission to 
form themselves into a " civilized band," as they had determined to 
adopt the dress and customs of white people. I told them of the 
great excitement that now exists around us on account of the murder, 
which everybody here believes was committed by the five young Win- 
nebagoes sent to prison. They were evidently much troubled, and 
begged me to do all I could to keep the tribe on the reservation. The 
young men and most of the middle-aged in the council voted for a 
resolution, suggested by themselves, requesting the Superintendent 
and Agent to remove all the old chiefs, because they are opposed to 
civilization. 

" This morning our friends, Joseph Mead and Benjamin Chase 
went to the Omaha Agency, and I expect to join them there to-morrow 
evening, after holding a meeting here with the Indians in the morning. 

" Omaha Agency, Sixth month, 6th. — Agent Howard White came 
home on Seventh-day afternoon and reported that the five Indian 
prisoners had been committed for trial, and would be taken to the 
jail at Fremont. The citizens at West Point were as moderate as 
could be expected under the circumstances, and no disposition to deal 
with them illegally was manifested. Agent White employed the best 
counsel he could obtain to defend them. 

" At the Agency the conviction grows continually stronger that some 
of them, and perhaps all five, are guilty of the murder. We received in- 
formation from various sources, that their leader, named Hookah, had 
told several of the Indians he had killed a white man and cut off his 
head. It is said they shivered the head and divided the scalp among 
the five, and that it is now in some of the tepees, or Indian dwellings. 
Hookah pretends to be a prophet, and has been deluding the young men. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 2 79 

Yesterday Agent White and I had a consultation with some of the white 
employes in whom we could confide. All expressed their belief that 
the chiefs had endeavored to screen the prisoners by false testimony, and 
that we ought to depose them all, and put in their places a new set of 
men, not connected with the " medicine band," with which the old 
chiefs are associated. The chiefs have for years stood in the way of 
improvement, and most of them are known to be corrupt. The only 
exception is White Breast, who proposed some time ago to resign. 
We have concluded that this change is necessary, and that it can be 
made now more successfully than at any other time, because the chiefs 
are humbled and fear that the whites will insist on removing the tribe. 
It is to be done as soon as Agent White can determine on suitable 
men for their successors. 

" Omaha, Sixth month, 7th. — We arrived here this afternoon, and 
found all well. I have prepared a statement for the press, which I 
suppose will appear in the Omaha papers to-morrow. We expect to 
go to the Pawnee Agency two days hence. 

Thy affectionate friend, 

Samuel M. Janney." 

The five Winnebago Indians accused of murder were 
tried in one of the courts of the State of Nebraska, and 
being found guilty, were sent to the penitentiary for life. 
The chiefs of the Winnebago tribe were deposed by Agent 
White, with my approval, and an equal number of better 
men appointed in their stead. The next year, the chiefs 
were elected by the people, and subsequently annual elec- 
tions were held. This plan was found to work well, and 
will undoubtedly have a salutary effect in preparing the 
Indians for the duties and privileges of citizenship. 

(The following letter was addressed to the Commis- 
sioner of Indian Affairs in 1871 : ) 

Indian Civilization. 

"Being about to retire from the position of Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs, I deem it not inappropriate to express the result of my 



280 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

observations and reflections on the subject of Indian civilization. It 
is well known that in nearly all cases of advancement from savage to 
civilized life, the progress has been slow, and that the transition has 
usually occupied several generations. It may, however, be accelerated 
by bringing the subjects to be acted upon into familiar intercourse with 
good and enlightened people, who, by a course of uniform justice 
and kindness, may gain their confidence, and by examples of moral 
purity, inspire them with respect and love. 

" In the endeavours that have been made to civilize and Christian- 
ize the Indians, too little attention has usually been given to the influ- 
ence of woman and her peculiar adaptation to this work. In my judg- 
ment, the most efficient means we can use, is to employ in the Indian 
service families composed of intelligent, virtuous men and women accom- 
panied by their children. Those should be selected who feel a real 
interest in the work, and who would engage in visiting the Indians in 
their dwellings, attending them in sickness, teaching their children, 
instructing the men in agricultural pursuits, and the women in house- 
hold duties, thus leading them, by example and precept, to appreciate 
the beauty and excellency of Christian principles. 

" We have found by experience, that very many of the Indian men 
may be induced by liberal wages promptly paid to perform the agri- 
cultural labors that were formerly imposed on their women, and that 
the Indian women very readily learn to attend to household duties; 
but our chief reliance is on the education of the young. The chil- 
dren show an aptitude for learning, and are very amiable, scarcely ever 
quarreling among themselves. There should be on every reservation 
a sufficient number of day schools to accommodate all the children 
between the ages of six and twelve years. They should be carefully 
taught to speak, read and write the English language, and should 
then be transferred to an Industrial Boarding School, of which there 
should be one or more on each reservation. In these schools the 
boys should be taught farming, gardening and the mechanical arts, 
and the girls instructed in housekeeping and sewing. By this means 
a tribe may be civilized and taught to speak the English language in 
a single generation. 

"While this system of education is going forward, allotments of 
land should be assigned to every family, implements of agriculture, 
seeds and live stock furnished them, and assistance given them in 
building cottages. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 281 

" Religious instruction should be given adapted to their condition, 
and the practical part of Christianity illustrated by example. 

" By these means I believe the enlightened and humane policy of 
President Grant may be successfully established, and the Aborigines 
of our country saved from extinction. 

Very respectfully, 

Thy friend, 

Samuel M. Janney, 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs.' 
" To the Commissioner of Indian Affairs" 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
1871. 

Letter to a Joint Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs — Resigns 
his position — Letter from W. H. Macy relating to it — Barclay 
White is appointed as his successor — He is taken sick with inter- 
mittent fever — Returns to his home in Virginia. 

On the 4th of Fifth month, 1871, I addressed a report 
to the Joint Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs, from 
, which the following passages are selected : — 

" I have recently visited the Santee, Winnebago, and Omaha Reser- 
vations, my chief object being to make a contract for supplying the 
Santee Sioux Indians with beef and flour during the remainder of the 
fiscal year, which ends on the 30th of the Sixth month. The contract 
was made to the satisfaction of the Agent and myself. 

" Last year the crop of wheat, corn and garden vegetables at that 
Agency, owing to the long continued drought, was almost an entire 
failure. This year it is probable that half enough wheat will be raised 
on the Reservation to supply the Indians with bread, and a consider- 
able area of land will be planted with corn. 

" The flouring mill on Bazille Creek is nearly completed, and the 
steam saw mill near the Agency has supplied a large amount of lumber 
for the buildings in progress. The Indians are building houses for 
themselves on their allotments of land. They are generally built of 



282 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

logs; the doors, windows and flooring boards being furnished by the 
Agent. Many of them have bedsteads, tables and chairs, being no 
longer willing to sit and sleep on the ground, as they did two years 
ago. The Indian women have made a large number of bed-quilts 
from the materials furnished by Friends. It was said one hundred 
and fifty quilts were made or in progress, and the sewing neatly done. 
" There are two Mission schools. That of the Congregationalists 
was not in session while I was there ; that of the Episcopalians I vis- 
ited. It did not appear to me to be conducted with much success. 
The Indians at their Agency write and receive many letters in the 
Dakota language, but very few of them speak or write English. 

" An Industrial school is much needed, but funds for it have not 
been supplied. 

"The English language alone should be taught in the Indian 
schools, to prepare them for intercourse with the Whites on equal 
terms, and to give them access to the treasures of English literature. 

" On my way home I stopped at the Winnebago Agency, but the 
weather was so stormy that I could not visit the Indians nor examine 
their improvements. 

«' I was informed that an election of chiefs took place on the 1st of 
the Fourth month, and was conducted in an orderly manner, all the 
men being permitted to vote. Each of the twelve chiefs selected a 
policeman from his own band. Annual elections of officers have not 
heretofore been known among the Indians of this Superintendency, 
and the Winnebagoes are the only ones who have tried the experi- 
ment. I think it is a step in the right direction. 

" Agent White informed me that he had sown a considerable area 
of land in wheat, which, together with that sown by a few of the 
Winnebagoes, would probably amount to four hundred acres. If it 
yields well, there will be a sufficiency to supply the tribe with bread. 
Some of the Indians are raising young cattle and hogs, and many of 
them have chickens. We hope they will be self-supporting in a year 
or two, but during the last year, as well as many years previous, a 
large proportion of their income has been expended for subsistence. 
Their rations of flour, beef and salt in one year cost $28,000. 

" Their allotment of land will be occupied by many of them this 
year, and houses are now being built by them with the aid of the car- 
penter and six Indian apprentices. There are three Day schools and 
two First-day Schools, An Industrial school is greatly needed, for 
which an application ban been made to the Department. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 283 

" I next visited the Omaha Agency with satisfaction. The Indians 
of this tribe have lately received from the Interior Department certifi- 
cates for their allotments of land which have been anxiously looked 
for and are highly prized. A large quantity of lumber for their houses 
has been sawed; part of it is hauled to their allotments, and some 
comfortable houses are being built by the carpenter and his Indian 
apprentices. The Omahas have corn to sell from their last year's 
crop, and about one hundred acres have been seeded in wheat. They 
receive no rations of meat or flour from the Government. I visited 
two of their schools, which were well conducted. 

" The chiefs and head men of the Pawnees have for some time 
manifested a desire to make peace with the Sioux, who have for gene- 
rations been their enemies, and who frequently commit depredations, 
stealing their horses and killing and scalping their men and women. 
When Red Cloud, the famous Sioux chief, after his visit to Washing- 
ton, passed through Omaha, I had an interview with him, and ex- 
pressed my desire that he would make peace with the Pawnees. He 
said that he had not time to stop then for the purpose, and could not 
do it without consulting his people. According to my recollection, 
he said further : ' The Pawnees were once our friends — we were like 
brothers; but in a war they joined with the whites and killed some 
of our best men ; and now we consider them no better than whites.' 

" By authority of Commissioner Parker, I afterwards corresponded 
with J. M. W T ashburn, United States Agent at Whetstone, who has charge 
of the bands of Sioux commanded by the chief, Spotted Tail, in order 
to bring about a treaty between him and the chiefs of the Pawnees. 
He expressed his willingness to make a treaty and to keep it, and for 
some time I expected to meet with the representatives of the two 
tribes at the Santee Agency in the early part of last month. But I 
received, while at the Santee Agency, a letter from Agent Washburn, 
stating- that Spotted Tail and his subordinate chiefs, though willing to 
make the proposed treaty and to keep it, were unanimously of opinion 
that such a treaty made by them without the concurrence of the other 
bands of Sioux, would not be safe, as it would be considered a 
declaration of war by all the Sioux not concerned in it. I regret the 
failure of this cherished measure, but the overture made by the Paw- 
nees and the willingness manifested by Spotted Tail to accept, will, I 
think, promote a better state of feeling between them. 



284 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

" Many of the Pawnees are desirous to open farms and to be pro- 
vided with good houses instead of the mud lodges they now live in. 
The chief obstacle in the way is their fear of incursions from the 
Sioux, who sometimes lurk around in the night and kill any of the 
tribe whom they find outside of the villages. 

" Last year the Pawnee chiefs set apart seven thousand dollars of 
their annuity money to improve their mill and to purchase live stock 
and agricultural implements. This year they are willing to apply a 
still larger sum for purposes of improvement. Their Manual Labor 
School continues to be very satisfactory, and a commodious house for 
a Day school has just been completed. 

" Within the last three months I have visited the Great Nemaha 
Agency twice, and was well satisfied with the progress of the Iowa 
Tribe. The store established by Friends of Philadelphia for the benefit 
of the tribe, continues to be a complete success, and arrangements 
are now being made by Agent Lightfoot to establish an Industrial 
Home for Orphans. I think the funds applicable to this purpose will 
board about fifteen orphans, and they will attend the school taught by 
Mary B. Lightfoot, which is well conducted. She has added a sew- 
ing department, which has been a great benefit to the Indian women. 

" The reports received from the Otoe Agency are satisfactory. The 
school is very successful, and Agent Green hopes to establish another 
very soon. The Indians of this tribe are overcoming their old habits 
of indolence, and many of them are now desirous to open farms and 
build houses, in which work they are assisted by the Agent to the 
utmost of his ability. 

Samuel M. Janney, 

Superintendent of Indian Affairs." 

Having, in the latter part of the year 1870, come to 
the conclusion that I would resign my office, I wrote as 
follows : 

" To the GeJieraZ Committee of Friends on the Indian Concerns : 

" Dear Friends. — I have for some time had it in contemplation to 
inform the General Committee that I do not think it will be required 
of me to retain the office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs longer 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 285 

than the autumn of next year. I submitted to the appointment from 
a sense of duty, believing it would be right for me to acquiesce in the 
judgment of Friends, and feeling a deep interest in the work to which 
I was called. There are, however, other duties, of a religious nature, 
which I think I will be required to perform, and I feel assured there 
are in our Society many Friends as competent as I am to perform the 
duties of Superintendent. After I shall have made my third annual 
report, which will be due the last of the Ninth month, 1 871, I think I 
shall feel at liberty, with the consent of my friends, to retire from this 
field of labor. My commission runs for four years from the 22nd of 
Fourth month, 1869. 

" Having nearly reached the end of my seventieth year, it seems 
proper that the declining period of my life should be passed in some 
degree of tranquility, though I still feel desirous to labor according to 
my ability in the Good Master's service. 

Your cordial friend, 

Samuel M. Janney." 



On the 2nd of the Sixth month, 1871, I transmitted to 
William H. Macy, Secretary of the Executive Committee 
of Friends, the following communication : 

" To the President of the United States : 

" I propose retiring from the position I now occupy as Superin- 
tendent of Indian Affairs in the Northern Superintendency at the 
close of the third quarter of this year. Being now in my seventy-first 
year, I wish to be relieved from the care and labor attendant on this 
office. I therefore tender my resignation, to take effect on the 30th of 
the Ninth month, 1871. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Samuel M. Janney." 

A letter from William H. Macy, dated Third month, 
nth, 1 87 1, was accompanied by the following minute: 



286 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 

" At a Meeting of the Executive Committee appointed to represent the 
Convention of Delegates on Indian Affairs of the Six Yearly 
Meetings y held at Race Street Meeting-house, 

"Philadelphia, Second month, 21st, 1871. 

"William H. Macy, Secretary, and William Dorsey, Assistant. 
Present, eleven members. 

" A letter from Samuel M. Janney was read, dated Second month 
6th, 1 87 1, enclosing his resignation as Superintendent of the Northern 
Superintendency of Indians, addressed to the President of the United 
States, to take effect on the 30th of Ninth month next. 

"The subject claimed the deliberate consideration of the committee, 
and after an expression of much feeling and regret at parting with his 
services in his present position, his resignation was accepted. 

" Barclay White, of New Jersey, was then proposed as a Friend 
suitable for Superintendent in the place of Samuel M. Janney, which 
being fully united with, it was concluded to present his name to the 
President for that station. 

" A communication was read, from Barclay White, stating that he 
was willing to submit to the judgment and wishes of his friends 
should they feel it right to nominate him to the President. 

" The Secretary was directed to forward to Samuel M. Janney and 
Barclay White copies of the foregoing minute. Signed on our behalf, 

William H. Macy, 

Secretary* 9 

In the latter part of the Eighth month, 1871, after my 
return from a visit to the Winnebago and Omaha Agencies, 
I was taken sick with intermittent fever, which was thought 
to be increased in severity by anxiety of mind about Indian 
affairs. I was mercifully favored to obtain relief, but my 
strength was much reduced. 

The writing of my Annual report to the Government 
and the care attendant on settling up official business, 
was too much for my exhausted frame, and near the close 
of the Ninth month I was taken with the ague. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, 287 

On the 1st of Tenth month I left Omaha, having deliv- 
ered to Barclay White the property and funds on hand 
belonging to the Government. My daughter-in-law, Eliza 
F. Janney, who had been my chief clerk, was invited by 
my successor to retain the position. She accepted the 
offer, and remained at Omaha with her two children. 

My wife and daughter accompanied me on the home- 
ward journey. We stopped at West Liberty, Iowa, where 
we remained about two weeks in order that my strength 
might be sufficiently restored to travel with safety and 
comfort. During our stay in that place we attended the 
meetings of Friends with satisfaction, and on resuming our 
journey we stopped a few days at Richmond, Indiana, and 
Waynesville, Ohio, where we attended the meetings of 
Friends, and, by request, I gave some account of the con- 
dition and prospects of the Indians in Nebraska. 

On the 2 7trrof Tenth month, 1871, we arrived in Balti- 
more just in time to attend our Yearly Meeting, and were 
received by Friends with a hearty welcome. They recog- 
nized the propriety of my withdrawal from the Indian ser- 
vice, and we rejoiced together in a cordial reunion of 
religious fellowship. 

During the time of the Yearly Meeting there was a Con- 
vention of Delegates from the Yearly Meetings of Philadel- 
phia, New York, Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana and Genesee, 
which met to consider the work of Indian civilization 
entrusted to our care. 

I made a report in writing to the Convention, and also 
delivered to a large audience a lecture on the progress of 
this work in Nebraska and the prospect of successfully 
carrying out the humane policy of the President in im- 
proving the condition of the Indians. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

1873- 

Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting with James M. Walker as companion — 
They visit some meetings belonging to it — Attends Indiana Yearly 
Meeting. 

1873, Eighth month, 28th. — Left home, and being joined 
on the way by my friend James M. Walker as compan- 
ion, and by Jesse Hoge and his companion, William B. 
Steer, we entered the cars at Berlin and reached Cumber- 
land, Maryland, that evening. On Sixth-day we proceeded 
via Pittsburg, and reached Salem, in Ohio, on the eve- 
ning of that day, where we were kindly received and hos- 
pitably entertained by Martha Stanton. 

Eighth month, 30th. — Attended the meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders, and the Representative committee. 

31st. — Attended the meetings for Divine worship at 
Salem in the morning and afternoon. I was engaged in 
Gospel ministry in the morning meeting to the relief and 
satisfaction of my own mind, and was followed by Elihu 
Durfee, of Cincinnati, and some other Friends, whose min- 
istry was lively and edifying. In the afternoon, Sunder- 
land P. Gardner, of Farmington, New York, spoke at 
considerable length to edification. 

Ninth month, 1st. — The Yearly Meeting convened, and 
the usual business was transacted. The epistles from other 
Yearly Meetings were edifying, and some instructive re- 
marks were made. In the evening a meeting of the First- 
day School Association was held in the meeting-house. Only 

(288) 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 289 

three schools were represented, two of which have been 
conducted to satisfaction. I thought it my duty to address 
the meeting with a view to remove the prejudice existing 
in some minds, and to show that First-day schools, pro- 
perly conducted, with a reliance upon Divine aid, have in 
many cases been blessed to the children and the teachers, 
and have resulted in reviving the spiritual life and increas- 
ing the attendance of Friends 7 meetings. 

Ninth month, 2nd. — The Yearly Meeting was chiefly 
occupied with the answers to the Queries and the consid-, 
eration of the state of Society. In the evening of Third- 
day, a meeting of the Indian Committee was held, and 
much interest manifested in the cause of Indian civil- 
ization. 

Ninth month, 3rd. — A meeting for Divine worship was 
held which was well attended, solemn, and I think gen- 
erally satisfactory. I was exercised in the early part of the 
meeting and led to express my views on the Scriptures of 
Truth, the guidance of Divine Grace, the coming of Christ 
in the flesh, and his spiritual appearance in his people as 
the power of God unto salvation. 

In the afternoon a joint meeting of men and women 
was held to hear the report on Indian affairs. After it 
was read the clerk of the Yearly Meeting rose and re- 
quested me, on behalf of the meeting, to give a statement 
of the condition of the Indians in Nebraska. I complied 
with the request, and gave a description of their mode of 
life and the progress they have made in civilization since 
Friends have had the care of them. 

4th. — The Yearly Meeting sat about four hours, being 
engaged most of the time in the consideration of an 
epistle to other Yearly Meetings and two petitions to the 
Constitutional Convention, relating to capital punishment 

l 9 



290 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

and the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. The 
meeting then concluded. 

5 th. — Accompanied by my companion, James M. Walker, 
we proceeded to New Brighton, where we attended a meet- 
ing in the evening in Friends' Meeting-house. It was 
small, but was, I think, lively and satisfactory. 

6th. — Were at a meeting at Columbiana. It was small, 
but the congregation was attentive and our labors among 
them satisfactory. In the afternoon, we went by rail to 
Alliance, thence to the neighborhood of Deer Creek 
Meeting. 

7th. — Attended the meeting at Cope's Run and West 
Meeting-house. They were well attended, and the Gospel 
was preached to the edification of many. Sunderland P. 
Gardner was called forth in all these meetings to exercise 
his gift in the ministry. Jesse Hoge also spoke accepta- 
bly, and I was engaged in advocating the cause of Truth, 
which was attended by the reward of peace. 

8th. — We came to the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant 
and the house of Kenworthy Hoge. 

9th. — Attended Short Creek Monthly Meeting. In the 
meeting for worship I delivered a brief communication. 
In the evening we had a meeting at Mount Pleasant, in a 
Methodist meeting-house, which was filled with a large 
and attentive congregation, among whom were many Or- 
thodox Friends of the class called Gurneyites, it being now 
the time of their Yearly Meeting at this place. My mind 
was much exercised, and I expressed my views in relation 
to the coming of Christ, his work while in the flesh, in 
bearing witness to the Truth, and for which he also suffered. 
The effect of his labor and sufferings was to reconcile 
man to God, removing the enmity from man's heart, and 
through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, purifying those who 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 291 

submit to its operation, and making them partakers of the 
Divine nature. 

Sunderland P. Gardner followed in a very impressive 
discourse. He spoke in strong terms against the com- 
monly received doctrine of original sin, and expressed his 
belief that man's temptations spring from the perversion 
of his appetites and desires, and not from a devil or evil 
spirit. 

The meeting ended with public supplication, and was 
satisfactory to many; but some objection was made after 
meeting, by our Orthodox Friends, to Sunderland's views 
in relation to the non-existence of an evil spirit distinct 
and separate from man. 

10th. — Attended an appointed meeting, at four p. m., in 
Short Creek Meeting-house. After we had spoken, H. H., 
a Methodist minister, appeared in prayer. We had in the 
morning attended a public meeting for worship, held by 
the Orthodox (Gurney) Friends, at Mount Pleasant. When 
we reached the house, one of their ministers was reading 
aloud the Epistle of Jude. He made some comments in- 
tended to prove the existence of an evil spirit, and the doc- 
trine of everlasting torment of the wicked in hell. He was 
followed by another minister in a long discourse on the 
same subjects, and the doctrines of original sin and vicari- 
ous atonement. He expressed the doctrines of J. J. Gur- 
ney as I had read them in his works. A prayer or two 
were then offered, and at the close of the meeting a woman 
was introduced, who gave an account of a boarding-school 
for colored girls she was about to establish in Mississippi. 
In order to aid her, a collection was taken up by passing 
hats around among the men. 

nth. — We attended an evening meeting in Georgetown 
in a Methodist meeting-house. 



292 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

1 2th. — On returning to the neighborhood of Mount 
Pleasant, we received a message from a Methodist minister, 
who sent his son to meet us and request us to hold another 
meeting in that town. He said we had thrown a bomb- 
shell among them, and they wished us to take it away or 
give them another. 

We took it into serious consideration, and concluded to 
appoint a meeting in Friends' Yearly Meeting-house at 
Mount Pleasant. The Orthodox Yearly Meeting held there 
had adjourned. There was a considerable audience, among 
whom were a number of Orthodox Friends and some 
Methodists. 

Sunderland P. Gardner spoke first, and delivered a 
powerful discourse. I followed him in a communication 
relating to the doctrines and principles of Friends and the 
views of the early Friends concerning the Divinity of 
Christ and the reconciliation and salvation of man through 
Christ. 

It was observed that D. U., an Orthodox minister, was 
taking notes, and after I had spoken he rose and inquired 
whether the Friends who had appointed the meeting would 
allow him to ask a question. We said nothing in reply, 
and he remained quiet. After supplication had been made, 
a brief discourse was delivered by Jesse Hoge, and the 
meeting closed. It was a solemn and impressive season of 
Divine worship, very satisfactory to our Friends. 

After meeting, several persons inquired whether I could 
furnish them with a brief exposition of Friends' princi- 
ples. I had two copies of my "Summary of Christian 
Doctrines/ ' which I left at my lodgings for them, and I 
wrote to a Friend in Philadelphia to send a supply of them 
for distribution at Mount Pleasant. There is much inquiry 
concerning our doctrinal views, occasioned in part by the 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 293 

aspersions cast upon us by some of those called Orthodox 
Friends. They have, as we think, departed from the orig- 
inal ground of Friends, not only in their doctrines, but in 
the conduct of some of their meetings. 

They now hold night meetings for the purpose of giving 
in their experience, and every one is urged to " testify," as 
they call it. The exhortations, prayers and hymns follow 
each other in quick succession, and it is said there were 
nearly a hundred at one sitting. 

13th. — We attended a meeting at Concord in the morn- 
ing, and an appointed meeting at St. Clairsville, in a 
Methodist meeting-house, in the evening. They were 
small and tolerably satisfactory. 

14th. — At Friends 7 Meeting-house, called Plainfield, we 
held on First-day, a meeting in the morning and another 
in the afternoon. They were largely attended by Friends 
and others, and were both good meetings. I was favored 
with ability to preach the Gospel. 

Friends in this neighborhood, as well as in several others 
in Ohio, are placed in discouraging circumstances. Their 
numbers have been reduced by emigration to the West, and 
by dissensions formerly prevailing among them ; their min- 
isters are few, and many of their elders and experienced 
members have been removed by death. I fear there is too 
much luke-warmness among them ; but they have expressed 
great satisfaction with our labors, and I trust there has been 
some awakening and renewing of strength. 

15th. — We rode in the morning in a wagon twenty 
miles to Somerton, and attended meeting. Then eight 
miles, to Barnesville, and held a meeting in the Presbyte- 
rian meeting-house, at seven p. m. These were both good 
meetings. 

16th. — We were at Friends' Meeting-house called Rich- 



294 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

land, and at the close some Methodists who were present 
invited us to hold a meeting at Quaker City, which we 
took into consideration and agreed to do. It was satisfac- 
tory. 

1 7th. — To-day in the cars, I met with D. U., an Orthodox 
minister, who invited me to take a seat by him, and soon 
began to question me on my religious belief. A long con- 
versation ensued, and I can only give the substance of a 
small part of it. 

He queried what I meant by acknowledging the au- 
thority of the Scriptures, and whether I believed them to 
be the infallible record of the truth of God. I explained 
to him what I meant by their authenticity, and he repeated 
the question, whether I believed in their infallibility. I 
told him I did not, but I held the views expressed by Bar- 
clay, that mistake: had been made in transcription and 
translation, and that some interpolations had crept in. I 
instanced the text, (I. John, v. 7,) : There are three that 
bear record in Heaven," etc. He expressed his belief 
that the Bible is an infallible record. 

He queried whether I believed in the miraculous con- 
ception of Jesus. I replied that I believed in the account 
of that event as given by the Evangelists, and also in the 
spiritual fact corresponding with it, the new birth in the soul 
which takes place in those who accept the visitations of 
Divine love, and live in obedience to the Divine law. I stated 
also that I believed in the miracles, holy life, patient suffer- 
ings, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In an- 
swer to a question, I stated that Jesus came to bear witness 
to the truth as he testified, and that he suffered for the 
truth, but not as a substitute to pay the penalty of man's 
transgression. 

Reverting to the subject of the Scriptures, I remarked 



Memoirs of Sa?nuel M. Janney, 295 

that the Apostles were not infallible, as they sometimes 
differed, and Paul charged Peter with dissimulation. I did 
not see how fallible men could write an infallible book, 
and stated my belief that Jesus Christ was the only infal- 
lible person that ever appeared in human form. 

I told him I thought they had departed in doctrine 
and worship from the early Friends, and he gave me to 
understand that he did not think it important to adhere to 
their example, but to take the Scriptures for a guide. 

21st, First-day. — We attended meeting in the morning 
at Waynesville, which was large and satisfactory. In the 
afternoon, had an appointed meeting at Springbok/, which 
was well attended and lively. 

22nd. — We visited the Miami Valley Institute, a board- 
ing-school for both sexes, under the care of Friends, in 
which manual labor is combined with instruction in school 
learning. It appears to be well conducted and satisfactory. 

24th. — Came to Harveysburg and were at Miami 
Monthly Meeting. It was attended by as many as could 
well sit in the house. After an interval of silence, I 
thought I was authorized to speak on the parable of the 
" leaven hid in three measures of meal," showing the effect 
of the principle of Divine life to bring the physical, intel- 
lectual and moral nature in the obedient soul into its own 
nature, and thus establish the reign of God in man. After 
speaking a short time I found nothing further to say, and 
on taking my seat I said the opening I had to speak was 
closed, but perhaps another may be called upon to con- 
tinue the subject. 

Sunderland P. Gardner then rose and delivered a very 
excellent discourse, in which he alluded to my remarks and 
corroborated my testimony. After he closed, I rose and 
said in substance : 



296 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

" 'Let the Lord send by whom He will send,' is the 
prayer of my heart. I fully believe in the Apostolic de- 
claration, 'There are diversities of gifts, but the same 
spirit; differences of administration, but the same Lord; 
diversities of operations, but it is the same God which 
worketh all in all.' "I desire, for myself and for you, 
that we may all wait at Wisdom's gate, ready to obey 
the Divine call, and ascribe to God the glory of His own 
work. ' ' 

I felt much humbled before the Lord, and for some 
hours endeavored to withdraw my thoughts from temporal 
things to wait upon Him, but being surrounded by com- 
pany, could not attain the retirement I desired. Upon 
further reflection I came to the conclusion that the sudden 
closing of the prospect or impression by which I was led 
to speak was a salutary lesson intended for my improve- 
ment. 

From Harveysburg we went to Wilmington and attended 
a meeting appointed for us in a public hall. It was small, 
and I found but little opening for religious service. 

25th. — We went by rail to Cincinnati and attended 
Friends' Monthly Meeting. In the evening of the same 
day we had an appointed meeting in Friends' Meeting- 
house, which was satisfactory. I found some opening for 
service. 

Ninth month, 27th. — We attended the meeting of min- 
isters and elders of Indiana Yearly Meeting, which was a 
season of Divine favor. 

28th. — On First-day two meetings for worship were held. 
In the forenoon meeting I was called forth in the ministry, 
and felt the reward of peace. 

On Second and Third-day the Yearly Meeting was en- 
gaged in the usual routine of business, which was trans- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 297 

acted in brotherly love, and much edifying counsel was 
handed forth. 

A proposition came from Blue River Quarterly Meeting 
for a new Yearly Meeting to be held at Clear Creek, Illi- 
nois, to be composed of Blue River and Prairie Grove 
Quarterly Meetings. A committee of men and women 
was appointed to visit those Quarterly Meetings, and those 
subordinate to them, in conjunction with a committee of 
Baltimore Yearly Meeting, of which Prairie Grove Quar- 
ter is a branch. They are to report next year their judg- 
ment in the case. 

On Fourth-day morning there was a meeting for Divine 
worship, and in the afternoon the Yearly Meeting of men 
and women met in joint session to hear the report on 
Indian affairs. 

On Fifth-day the Yearly Meeting held two sittings, and 
closed about sunset with a feeling of gratitude to the 
Heavenly Shepherd, whose presence and power had been 
felt among us, preserving us in harmony and affording us 
the consolation of his spirit. The meeting closed with 
solemn supplication to the tendering of many hearts. 

During three evenings of Yearly Meeting week, the 
First-day School General Conference occupied the meet- 
ing-house, where a large concourse of Friends assembled 
to hear the reports and listen to the exercises. Delegates 
were present from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, 
Indiana, and Ohio, and great interest was manifested in 
the good work of religious instruction now in successful 
progress in many places. 

The next day after the close of the Yearly Meeting, we 
started homeward from Richmond and reached our habi- 
tations on Seventh-day, the 4th of Tenth month. During 
this journey we traveled about eighteen hundred miles and 
were absent from home thirty-eight days. 



298 Memoirs of Sa?nuel M. Janney. 

I feel thankful to the Author of all Good for His provi- 
dential care and preserving grace. If any good has been 
done, to Him alone be the praise. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

1875-80. 

Goes as one of a committee to attend the opening of Illinois Yearly 
Meeting— Fiftieth anniversary of his marriage — Verses by T. M. J. 
— Attends the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and New York — 
Visits the Centennial Exposition — Attends Warrington Quarterly 
Meeting and the meetings composing it — Death of A. M. Janney — 
Reflections upon his seventy-seventh birth-day — Goes to Wash- 
ington on Indian affairs — Attends Philadelphia and New York 
Yearly Meetings — His closing record — Attends Waterford Quar- 
terly Meeting — Attends the opening of the new meeting-house 
at Washington — Illness and death — Extracts from memorial pre- 
pared by Friends. 1874- 80. 

[Although the facility of expression that characterized 
his pen through life enabled him during his declining 
years to express with equal clearness and precision the 
facts or sentiments he desired to communicate, there was 
an evident decline in his inclination to use the pen, and 
an increasing tendency to reading and meditation — a men- 
tal inertia, as he expressed it. This will account for the 
fact, that during the last years of his life the records made 
were few and brief. In his note-book we find the follow- 
ing entries :] 

1875, Ninth month, 6th. — Left home with the prospect 
of attending the opening of Illinois Yearly Meeting, 






Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 299 

having been appointed by our Yearly Meeting one of the 
committee assigned to that service. 

(In a letter to his wife he says :) 

We arrived here safely on Sixth-day, the 10th inst. 
Yesterday there was a great gathering at the new meeting- 
house. It is said that all other places of worship within 
eight miles around were closed, in order that their mem- 
bers might attend our meeting. There was much speaking 
in the line of the ministry ; I had some service, and others 
spoke very acceptably. 

To-day, at 8 a. m., the ministers and elders met, and 
at 10 a. m. the Yearly Meeting assembled. We met with 
the partitions open, and at the request of our commit- 
tee, I read the minutes of Baltimore and Indiana Yearly 
Meetings appointing us to attend the opening of Illinois 
Yearly Meeting. Then, after some appropriate remarks, 
the shutters were closed and the men and women proceeded 
to business. 

Ninth month, 16th. — The meeting closed under a feel- 
ing of reverent thankfulness that our Heavenly Father's 
canopy of love had been over us, enabling us to move in 
harmony and to worship Him in spirit and in truth. 

Third month, nth, 1876. — On the 9th inst., being the 
fiftieth anniversary of our marriage, we had at our house 
the company of our children and grand-children, brothers 
and sisters, who were able to attend, and some of our 
nephews and nieces. After dinner we assembled in the 
parlor, when my sister Tacy recited the following touch- 
ing little poem she had composed for the occasion: 

" Heavenly Father ! Lord eternal ! 
Listen to our heartfelt prayer ; 
Fold Thy loving arms paternal 
Closely round this happy pair. 



300 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

" By ' still waters ' they are resting, 
And we gather here to-day, 
Fondest love for them attesting — 
Wilt thou, Lord, prolong their stay ? 

" Fifty years they 've passed together, 
Up and down life's rugged steep ; 
Thou hast gently led them hither, 
Safe from harm our loved ones keep. 

" Aided by his gentle teaching, 
Gladdened by her tender love, 
Many are the hearts outreaching 
Toward our Father's home above. 

u There, from purest fountain springing, 

Streams of ' living waters ' flow, 

With their waves of gladness bringing 

Joys that only Heaven can know. 

" We would, then, invoke Thy Spirit ; 
Lead and guide us on our way. 
May we all that home inherit — 

In our Saviour's 'name' we pray." 

After an interval of silent worship, I offered up my 
feelings of gratitude and adoration to the Author of all 
Good for the many blessings He had conferred upon us, 
and especially for the privilege of living together for so 
long a period in sweet unity and entire harmony. In the 
evening some of our near neighbors were invited to our 
house, when we enjoyed together a social re-union very 
grateful to our feelings. 

On the ioth of Fifth month, 1876, I left home, accom- 
panied by my daughter Cornelia, in order to attend the 
Yearly meetings of Philadelphia and New York, having 
obtained a minute for that purpose. 

We met with a kind and cordial reception from our 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 301 

friends in Philadelphia, and attended their Yearly Meeting 
with much satisfaction. I found, in the public meetings 
for worship, opportunities for the exercise of my gift in 
the Gospel ministry, and endeavored to express, in sim- 
plicity and clearness, the views presented, which brought 
the reward of peace. In the meeting for discipline there 
was much salutary exercise expressed by many Friends, 
and the business was conducted with dignity and harmony. 

After the conclusion of the Yearly Meeting, having an 
interval of leisure, I felt at liberty to spend the greater 
part of two days at the Centennial Exposition, which pre- 
sented a wonderful display of the productions of industry 
and art from nearly all civilized nations. It is calculated 
to enlarge the boundaries of knowledge and to promote 
fraternal relations among the several nations who have 
contributed to it. It seems to me that the various peoples 
represented there and mingling in harmonious intercourse 
will become interested in each other, and in case of future 
national differences, will be less disposed than heretofore 
to engage in hostile collisions. 

During a part of the succeeding week, we attended 
Bucks Quarterly Meeting, held at Buckingham, which was 
large and proved to be a season of Divine favor. Our 
valued friend, Thomas Foulke, met us there, and after its 
close, accompanied us the same day to his house in 
New York, where we made our home during the Yearly 
Meeting. 

It was a season of enjoyment and edification both in 
the meetings for worship and church discipline. The social 
intercourse we enjoyed with our friends in Philadelphia, 
New York and Brooklyn was not only delightful but con- 
ducive to spiritual improvement, for "as iron sharpeneth 
iron so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." 



302 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janriey. 

Ninth month, 9th. — On the 5th inst. I returned home, 
after an absence of thirteen days, during which, in com- 
pany with my brother Asa, I visited Warrington Quarterly 
Meeting, held at Monallen, Pennsylvania, and the meet- 
ings composing it. We traveled in a carriage with one 
horse two hundred and twenty-six miles, going and return- 
ing. The meetings in that quarter are small, and most of 
them weak, owing to luke-warmness and unfaithfulness on 
the part of many members. I labored among them in the 
service of the Gospel according to the ability received, 
and have reason to believe my services were very accept- 
able. I look back upon the journey with satisfaction and 
thankfulness to the Author of all Good, who abundantly 
rewards every sincere effort to serve Him. 

Sixth month, 1st, 1877. — Yesterday, about two o'clock 
in the morning, my dear brother, Asa M. Janney, departed 
this life, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

His disease was pneumonia ; he was sick about ten days, 
and during the latter part of that time he suffered much 
from difficulty of breathing and extreme debility. He 
made a peaceful close and has doubtless entered into the 
rest prepared for the righteous. 

In his youth he was deeply impressed with a desire to 
lead a holy life, and through Divine aid he was enabled to 
walk in the path of purity, being remarkably preserved 
from evil, and faithful in following his religious convic- 
tions. A more disinterested, self-sacrificing man I have 
never known, and he was universally beloved. 

1878, First month, nth. — To-day is the seventy-seventh 
anniversary of my birth, and I feel thankful to the Author 
of all Good for the many blessings He has bestowed on 
me and my family. My health is better than it was this 
time last year, and my strength, though much diminished, 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 303 

is as great as I can reasonably expect at this time of life. 
In looking back over the past year I feel that I have not 
done as much as I hoped to do for the cause of truth. I 
have allowed myself to be too easily discouraged, and 
have indulged in reading when I might have been more 
active in promoting the happiness of others. 

My prayer is to my Heavenly Father, that He will con- 
tinue His loving care and guide me in the way of truth. 

On Fourth-day, the 6th of Second month, 1878, I went 
to Washington, and met delegates from six of the seven 
Yearly Meetings of Friends having the care of the Indi- 
ans in Nebraska, and of the Pawnees in the Indian Terri-. 
tory. 

We found much cause for discouragement. Of the six 
Agencies under our care, only two have Agents regularly 
confirmed. Four Agents nominated by us and appointed 
by the President have not been confirmed by the Senate, 
by reason of the opposition of the Senators from Nebraska. 
Their opposition to all our nominations is likely to con- 
tinue, although the President and Secretary of the Interior 
express a decided wish for us to continue in the service. 

The convention adopted the following minute : 

"In consideration of the difficulties in the Pawnee 
Agency, the delegates have come to the conclusion that a 
communication should be addressed to the Secretary of the 
Interior, asking that Friends may be relieved from the re- 
sponsibility of nominating Agents for that Agency, and 
offering to continue our services in the education and civil- 
ization of the Pawnees if an opportunity is afforded and sat- 
isfactory arrangements can be made." 

Our secretary was requested to submit this to the Balti- 
more Committee on the Indian Concern for their consid- 
eration and action. 



304 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

1878, Sixth month, 5th. — On the 3rd inst. I returned 
from a visit to the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and 
New York, again accompanied by my daughter Cornelia. 

The meetings were seasons of Divine favor and spiritual 
enjoyment, in which I was enabled to " labor in the ability 
which God giveth." The retrospect affords satisfaction 
and peace. 

1880, First month, 12th. — Yesterday was my birth-day, 
my age being seventy-nine. It was the First-day of the 
week, and the weather being mild and pleasant, we had a 
large attendance at our meeting. It was felt to be a sea- 
son of Divine favor and impressive solemnity. Several 
Friends spoke acceptably, and I was called forth in Gospel 
ministry with an unusual degree of life and power, for 
which I feel thankful to the Author of all Good. 

During most of the year just passed I was in poor 
health, and part of the time not able to attend meeting ; 
but suffered very little pain, and notwithstanding my de- 
bility, enjoyed many seasons of precious communion with 
the Father of Spirits. I feel grateful for the many favors 
I enjoy in the evening of life, and earnestly desire that I 
may, through Divine aid, hold out to the end, trusting in 
the Arm of Divine Power, and rejoicing in the assurance 
of salvation through Christ. 

[A loving sister, with whom, for some years previous to 
his death, he had almost daily intercourse, gives the follow- 
ing from her note-book :] 

In the Second month he enjoyed the privilege of attend- 
ing the Quarterly Meeting at Waterford in company with 

his wife and daughter C , and his aged friend William 

Holmes. 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 305 

In the Third month, the opening of the new meeting- 
house in Washington, at the time of the Circular Meeting 
held there, was an occasion fraught with such deep inter- 
est to him, that notwithstanding the precarious season of 
the year for an aged invalid, the yearning of his heart led 
him to attend ; and he enjoyed, with his usual whole- 
heartedness, both the social and religious features of the 
event. His presence there was very gratifying to his 
numerous friends, some of whom had come from a dis- 
tance, and his voice was the first to be heard in those im- 
pressive words of counsel that came so appropriately on 
that occasion. 

After a short but most enjoyable sojourn with kind rela- 
tives in Georgetown and Alexandria, he returned home, 
brightened in spirits and by no means injured in health, 
and for some weeks the sweet serenity of his evening sky 
was undimmed by acute or alarming symptoms. 

On the subject of substituting arbitration for the sword, 
he had long been deeply interested, and had often spoken 
of war as a terrible evil, involving in its course every form 
of vice. His very last publication was a little volume en- 
titled, "Peace Principles Exemplified/ ' published in 1876, 
and the last time he spoke in public was at a peace meeting 
held in Friends' Meeting-house, at Lincoln, on the First- 
day afternoon previous to his illness. 

A cold, occasioned by the sudden changes in the 
weather, assumed the form of pneumonia, and for two 
weeks the dear sufferer was watched with tenderest anxiety 
by those whose devoted love made it a privilege to suffer 
with him. 

During most of this time their fears alternated with 
hope, and this hope was, to some extent, shared by him ; 
for much as he loved to contemplate the purified joys of 

20 



306 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

another state of existence, where the sublime promises of 
the Redeemer of mankind should have their full fruition 
in the mansions above, his affections clung very closely to 
those about him, and he felt himself peculiarly favored in 
his domestic relations. 

His greatest suffering was from difficult respiration, a 
form of disease that seemed in great measure to interdict 
conversation ; but his warm sympathy in matters of do- 
mestic, social and public interest manifested itself in occa- 
sional questions, that sometimes surprised his listeners. 

Like Timothy, he "had known the Holy Scriptures 
from a child/' and for many years their perusal had been 
his daily habit. During his last illness, he enjoyed pecu- 
liarly the beautiful and comforting promises contained in 
the last chapters of John which were read to him ; and to 
his dear married daughter, M. A. S., he remarked, after 
asking her to read a chapter from the Bible, " It is a good 
practice for Friends to frequently read the Scriptures in 
their families, with a pause for reflection. It has always 
been recommended in our Society.' ' 

On one occasion, having spoken of the uncertainty of 
his recovery, he expressed a desire to be submissive to the 
Divine will, and remarked, "I have tried to do my duty, 
and although I feel there are many imperfections and short- 
comings, I believe I will be accepted as I am. Many dear 
friends have gone before me whom I hope to meet." 

On the 30th of Fourth month, after some hours of great 
suffering, when it became evident that the end was near, 
he said, "I pray that I may have an easy passage, in His 
own good time ; He knows what is best. I hope my pa- 
tience will hold out to the end. Oh, Lord ! unclasp these 
bonds and let me go. Father, wilt Thou enable me to 
bear what Thou requirest of me ? Oh, Lord ! wilt Thou 
preserve me to the end?" 






Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 307 

" May His peace rest with you all. Amen." 
He then quietly fell asleep, and breathed his last. 



(From a memorial issued by the Monthly Meeting with 
which he had been for forty years closely united in the 
bonds of love, we extract the following testimony, which 
was approved by the Yearly Meeting:) 

" Strong in faith, earnest in feeling and well versed in the 
art of condensing the subject of his thoughts, there were 
few more effective speakers, but the feature that perhaps 
most strongly marked his religious life and characterized 
his ministry was the deep humility that blended itself with 
his gentle dignity, and modulated the expression of his 
sentiments. 

" While fully believing in the universal goodness of God, 
few acknowledged more unreservedly the prophetic mission 
as revealed in the Old Testament, and the Divinity of 
Jesus Christ as made known in the New. 

" He believed that God was in Christ reconciling the 
world unto Himself, and that this reconciliation can only 
be effected as men come under the influence of the same 
spirit which was in Jesus without measure, and which made 
him one with God, as it will ever make his true disciples 
one with him. He succeeded in avoiding those right hand 
and left hand errors that lead so many astray, and to cite 
the advice given by a valued elder, when young in the 
ministry, he was careful to " begin with the life, keep with 
the life, and end with the life." 

" He was one who believed in the efficacy of prayer and 
praise, not as a formal mode of worship, but as an earnest 
invocation to the Supreme Being for help in weakness, or 



308 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 

in acknowledgment of benefits received and mercies be- 
stowed. There was such a holy joy mingled with his sup- 
plications, that few who heard them failed to realize in 
their own experience something of that same stream of 
love that flowed from his grateful heart. May the meek- 
ness that prompts to prayer ever remain a trait of our 
beloved Society. 

" He was deeply interested in the establishment jof First- 
day schools, believing that our Society had in times past 
suffered great loss from a want of closer familiarity with 
the Scriptures, and anticipating from these institutions con- 
tinued benefit. 

" The wrongs visited on the Indians awakened his sympa- 
thies on their behalf, and when a way was opened for our 
Society to labor for the amelioration of their condition, 
though well advanced in years, he accepted an appoint- 
ment in a far distant state, to engage in the work, and 
entered upon his duties with great zeal and assiduity. He 
remained there for two years and a half, when his health 
becoming enfeebled by the great fatigue and exposure he 
had undergone, he resigned the position which he had 
filled to the entire satisfaction of the Government and of 
the Society of Friends he represented. After his return 
home, his interest in the cause remained unabated, and 
we find him making many trips to Washington on their 
behalf. 

" The efforts now being made in the country to advance 
the cause of temperance had his warm approval, nor was 
he less interested in the formation of societies for the pro- 
motion of peace. 

" Tender and affectionate in his domestic life, warm and 
genial in his social nature, his sympathies were ever active 
in the discharge of duties involved in these various rela- 



Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 309 

tions, and while beautifully fulfilling the injunction to 
"rejoice with those who do rejoice," he was equally 
mindful of "those who weep." Very grateful to the sick 
and afflicted were his ministrations at the bedside and in 
the house of mourning, as many can testify. 

"Retaining his intellectual faculties to the last, and mani- 
festing throughout the trying hours of dissolution (which 
were fraught with great suffering) the meekness and sub- 
mission that had characterized him through life, he quietly 
passed away on the 30th of Fourth month, 1880. 

" That his departure was felt to be a public loss in the 
community at large was evinced by the outpouring of the 
people, from far and near, to pay the last tribute of respect 
to one whom they regarded as the servant of God and the 
friend of his fellow-man." 



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